This article was originally published on WLT Report. You can read the original article HERE
A town in Massachusetts has recommended a curfew to its residents in hopes of limiting exposure to a ‘deadly mosquito-borne virus.’
The Board of Health in Oxford recommended residents do not stay outdoors past dusk to reduce the chances of catching Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Oxford, which has approximately 13,300 residents, is about 50 miles from Boston.
However, the curfew will impact outdoor sports and after-school programs.
WATCH:
NEW: Oxford, Massachusetts health officials have just recommended a 6 pm curfew due to an EEE outbreak despite protests from a large number of residents.
Here we go again…
pic.twitter.com/Ow7JUzjZez
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 23, 2024
Per Daily Mail:
It comes after a resident was the first human to contract the rare and untreatable illness – known as ‘Triple E’ – domestically in nearly four years.
Triple E causes a fever and brain swelling and can lead to seizures and comas. One-third of people infected with EEE die and those who recover are often left with lifelong physical and mental difficulties.
The dusk curfew, which falls around 8 pm in Massachusetts, is only a recommendation – not a rule – but town officials are hoping it will push people inside before peak mosquito hours, reducing risk of exposure.
While not a requirement, the local school district will be enforcing the curfew, meaning after-school programs and sports may be canceled, ended early or moved indoors – something many parents, students and athletes are taking issue with.
Nearly 1,000 Oxford residents have signed an online petition to keep sports fields open.
WATCH:
“Recommended 6pm Curfew”
Oxford & Several towns in Massachusetts are preparing for voluntary lockdowns following a human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) – a virus spread my Mosquitoes pic.twitter.com/0jItpk3vnr
— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) August 24, 2024
The Oxford Board of Health is recommending a town curfew due to the risk of Eastern equine encephalitis, a dangerous mosquito-borne illness.https://t.co/nD2RBsitrr
— 7News Boston WHDH (@7News) August 22, 2024
CBS News reports:
The Board of Health met Wednesday evening to recommend ending outdoor activities before dusk to avoid peak mosquito hours, despite residents’ protests.
“Being heard is our No. 1 goal,” said Oxford Webster Football and Cheer Vice President Josh Ziemski, before the meeting.
“We don’t want to see another human case of EEE this year,” Public Health Director Rike Sterrett said. “One is already too many.”
The move could impact fall sports. The Fournier sisters are worried it’ll jeopardize their only season cheering together.
“This is my last year as a cheerleader on this team, and it would be really upsetting if I missed out on it,” eighth-grader Aria Fournier said.
Oxford Little League President Philip Davis said, “We think the parents should be able to make decisions as parents, for our kids, for the well-being of our kids.”
Additional coverage from CBS Boston:
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