Cheshire Lifts Ban On Outdoor Evening Activities

CHESHIRE, CT — The town of Cheshire is lifting the ban of outdoor evening activities on public property, effective today (Oct. 8), officials announced. Last week, Cheshire joined several other nearby towns in suspending outdoor activities in response to recent reports of mosquitoes testing positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Connecticut.

The Chesprocott Health District recently reported that a mosquito in Bethany tested positive for EEE, a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease carried by mosquitos.

Chesprocott has been monitoring mosquito activity with the Connecticut Department of Health (DPH) and the State Agricultural Station. Based upon updated information from DPH and the Agricultural Station, Director of Health Maura Esposito has indicated that the mosquito population has been diminishing, and the risk of human exposure to EEE “has been greatly reduced,” according to a press release.

Chesprocott and the town will continue to monitor mosquito activity and DPH information, officials said.

Superintendent of Schools Jeff Solan said that schools will return to their regularly scheduled outdoor activities.

“Thank you to our parents, coaches, musical staff, and students for your patience while we worked to ensure the safety of our community,” Solan said in a statement. “We plan to return to our regular schedule today, but parents and students should still check with their coach or advisor for confirmation of scheduling.”

Chesprocott and the town strongly urge residents to continue to take personal precautions for prevention of EEE and other mosquito-borne illnesses until the first hard frost:

• Use insect repellent when going outside at dawn and dusk, and follow instructions for application.
• Wear tightly-woven light, colored clothing, including long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts.
• Keep door and window screens closed and in good repair.
• Eliminate standing water.
• Use mosquito netting for strollers and camping tents.

Questions on EEE can be directed to Chesprocott at 203 272-2761. Contact the managing organization with questions specific to the scheduling of their activities now that the evening restriction is removed.