FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2024
Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak
Dear Neighbors,
This afternoon, the Vermont Department of Health informed my office that Burlington has been identified as a high-risk area for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). My office will remain in close contact with the Department of Health. The Vermont Department of Health remains the best source for information. We encourage community members to visit www.healthvermont.gov/mosquito to stay up to date. The City will also use VT Alert to communicate updates as needed. Sign up for VT Alert here.
What is EEE?
EEE is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. EEE can result in encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, and can be fatal in about one-third of people who develop severe EEE disease. Most people infected with EEE virus do not develop symptoms, but those who do may experience a flu-like illness with fever, chills, body aches, and joint pain. Anyone with symptoms should reach out to their health care provider.
What does ‘high-risk’ mean?
-
Health officials are strongly recommending people in towns at high risk for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) take extra precautions to avoid mosquitoes that could carry the virus. As much as possible, avoid spending time outdoors between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM. If going outdoors, taking steps to prevent mosquito bites is essential.
Precautions Include:
-
Use EPA-registered insect repellent labeled as effective against mosquitoes. Apply repellent when you are going to be outdoors, especially at dawn or dusk.
-
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
-
Fix any holes in your screens and remove standing water around your home.
-
The risk of mosquito bites is lower when temperatures are below 60 degrees and mosquitoes are less active.
What’s Next?
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets has been increasing its collection efforts of mosquitoes, which are tested at the Department of Health Laboratory. Additional testing could increase the number of towns at high risk in the coming days and weeks.
Officials continue to evaluate options for aerial or ground spraying of pesticides in areas where infected mosquitoes have been identified, should that be deemed the best course of action to protect public health. The public will be notified in advance if spraying occurs.
Again, the City team will remain in close contact with the Department of Health and Vermont Emergency Management. We encourage community members to visit www.healthvermont.gov/mosquito to stay up to date on the latest information. The City will also use VT Alert to communicate updates as needed. Sign up for VT Alert here.
In it together,
Mayor Emma
