Cheshire Suspends Outdoor Evening Activities

CHESHIRE, CT — Cheshire is joining 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 has reported that a mosquito in Bethany tested positive for EEE, a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease carried by mosquitos.

At the recommendation of Chesprocott, and in collaboration with the Cheshire Public Schools, the town announced Tuesday that it will not allow outdoor activities on public property after 5:30 p.m. until further notice to minimize risk of exposure.

This prohibition includes Cheshire Public Schools activities and organized activities at all Cheshire parks and open spaces.

“Our schools will adhere to the prohibition of activities after 5:30 p.m. in accordance with this guidance,” school officials wrote in a post on Facebook. “The biggest impact of this decision will be around athletic and musical performances scheduled to run into the evening. We are working closely with other communities who are in the same situation to attempt to reschedule events to be held prior to dusk. If your child participates in school activities which were previously scheduled for the evening hours, please look for future communications from his/her school and/or coach. We will provide updates as we receive additional information.”

Residents are urged to take the following actions for prevention:

• Minimize outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active.
• 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.