| 09/06/2019: Managing Risk from EEE
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a major public health concern throughout Massachusetts this fall. Five towns in NVYSL are currently classified as High Risk, including Berlin, Boylston, Hudson Maynard, Stow. Many towns in the southern half of our league are classified as Moderate Risk, and there are hotspots of High & Critical Risk not too far away from us in all directions.
NVYSL continues to monitor communications from health agencies, especially : > CDC : www.cdc.gov/easternequineencephalitis/index.html
All members of our NVYSL Community (Players, Coaches, Referees, and Spectators) can reduce risk of exposure and bites from infected mosquitoes by considering the following : (1) REPELLENT : apply insect repellent to exposed skin and to clothing during any outdoor activity. (2) LONG CLOTHING : one of the most effective deterrents to mosquito bites is basic skin coverage, so consider wearing lightweight hooded sweatshirts and pants whenever it becomes clear that mosquitoes are active. (3) TIMING : the hours around dusk and dawn bring the highest concentration of actively feeding mosquitoes, so teams can reduce their risk by concluding evening practices before 7PM.
The current threat is not permanent : EEE risk will decrease when the first frosts begin killing off mosquito populations. But until that time, we need to be proactive and aggressive about deterrence. This community concern requires a community response to stay safe while we enjoy youth soccer this fall.
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