Mosquito-Borne Virus Forces Massachusetts Town to Issue Nighttime Curfew
Triple E Virus Prompts Oxford to Close Parks, Limit Outdoor Activities
Residents Urged to Stay Indoors After Sunset
The small town of Oxford, Massachusetts, is urging residents to stay indoors in the evenings after the discovery of a rare but potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus in the area.
The virus, known as Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of EEE can include:
- High fever
- Stiff neck
- Lack of energy
These symptoms typically occur within 3 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Oxford is one of four towns in Massachusetts where the state Department of Public Health has raised the risk level for EEE to "high."
In response to the increased risk, Oxford has closed all of its parks and is limiting nighttime activities on all outdoor public properties.
Residents are urged to stay indoors after sunset and to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as:
- Wearing long sleeves and pants
- Using insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin
- Avoiding areas with standing water, where mosquitoes breed
EEE is a serious illness, and there is no specific treatment available. However, early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of survival.
For more information on EEE, please visit the following resources:
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