Vermont has become the second state to postpone public events to help curb the spread of a deadly virus in the state.
The Green Mountain State is joining neighboring Massachusetts in advising its citizens to stay home at night due to a high number of reports of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
This rare disease is transmitted by horses and spread by mosquitoes. In about 30 percent of people, the disease can lead to swelling of the brain, vomiting, seizures and death.
In addition to postponing local nighttime festivals and concerts, the Vermont Department of Health “strongly recommends[s]’People in some of the state’s busiest cities are staying indoors between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., when insects are most active.
The Vermont Public Health Department found 47 groups of mosquitoes with EEE in 11 communities — a sharp increase from last year, when 14 groups of mosquitoes tested positive in three cities
Residents of some of Vermont’s most populated areas, including the capital city of Burlington, are “strongly advised” to avoid going outside between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., when mosquitoes are most active.
Although the virus is rare, it is has already claimed one life in New England this year. Steven Perry, 41, a father of four, died after contracting the virus in New Hampshire last week.
He was the first person in New Hampshire to contract the virus in a decade.
Around the same time, curfews were imposed in several Massachusetts counties. Sporting events, barbecues and other end-of-summer events have been postponed across the state, a move Vermont appears to be mirroring.
EEE is a rare condition, with an estimated 11 Americans affected each year. But in the past year, it has hit New England in record numbers.
In August, Vermont reported its first case of the mosquito-borne disease since 2012.
The areas in Vermont at highest risk are Burlington, Colchester, Alburg, Swanton and Sudbury, according to the Department of Health.
Public health officials arrived in these areas after finding 47 groups of mosquitoes with EEE in 11 communities. This is a significant increase from last year, when 14 groups of mosquitoes tested positive in three cities.
Canceled events include Burlington’s annual Oktoberfest, normally one of the largest gatherings in the state.
The event organizer released the following statement: “While it is not for us to judge the ultimate outcome of this virus and the overall public response, the significant costs associated with organizing this event prevent us from delaying this decision any longer to find out.”
The number of cases of EEE appears to have increased slightly since the Covid pandemic, although experts say the virus is still rare in humans
Other cancellations include music and food festivals, art exhibitions, concerts and open-air cinemas.
The Vermont Health Department said there is no vaccine or treatment for the disease and that prevention is the best solution, even though it may be difficult.
“The best way to reduce your risk of infection with EEE is to: Limit time outdoors at dawn and dusk,” officials said. If you must go outside at night, they recommend using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves.
Once EEE enters your body, it attacks the nervous system, similar to other mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile mosquitoes.
Typically, a person experiences flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and joint pain, which last for one to two weeks.
However, about 30 percent of people develop more serious symptoms due to an infection of the brain or spinal cord, which can lead to swelling of the brain, mild disability, or death.
People over 50 or under 15 are at greater risk for these serious complications than the average person.
