To halt the transmission of a mosquito-borne illness, Northeastern towns have imposed a voluntary quarantine.

In an effort to control the spread of a deadly mosquito-borne disease, four Massachusetts towns — Douglas, Oxford, Sutton, and Webster — have implemented a voluntary evening lockdown.

Since the first human case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) was confirmed in Worcester County by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) since 2020, a decision has been made.

The Oxford Board of Health has endorsed the suggestion for individuals to remain indoors after 6:00 PM, starting from Wednesday and lasting until Sept. 30, 2024, as stated in a public health advisory obtained by Planet Chronicle Digital.

From Oct. 1, 2024, it is advised to stay indoors after 5:00 PM until the first hard frost.

Mosquitoes are most active during the time between sunrise and sunset, according to the notice.

The advisory designates the four communities as "critical-risk."

The Board of Health is responsible for safeguarding public health and takes EEE very seriously. As such, we strongly urge residents to adhere to our recommendations, given the severity of EEE and its presence in our community, as stated by a spokesperson for the town of Oxford in an email to Planet Chronicle Digital.

"In Massachusetts this year, one human case of EEE has been reported, while mosquitoes have tested positive for the disease throughout the state."

The person infected with the virus, residing in Oxford, continues to be hospitalized and bravely fighting the illness, as stated in an Aug. 21 memo from the Oxford town manager, which was shared with Planet Chronicle Digital.

The town spokesperson stated that lockdowns are merely suggestions and there will be no enforcement if residents do not follow them.

The statement continued, "Our goal is to inform our residents about EEE and the severity of the disease, as well as the potential risks involved."

"If they choose to utilize town fields beyond the suggested guidelines, they must present evidence of insurance and sign an indemnification agreement."

The spokesperson confirmed that Oxford is collaborating with the other three critical-risk communities and all four are issuing the same recommendations.

The email stated that schools are making efforts to alter their sports schedules so that practices and games take place prior to evening hours and on weekends.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to Oxford Public Schools for comment.

What is Eastern equine encephalitis?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.

"Eastern equine encephalitis can cause brain infection (encephalitis), which can be fatal."

The agency reports that only a few cases occur in the U.S. annually, mainly in the eastern or Gulf Coast states, according to its website.

According to the CDC, humans and other animals that contract the virus are classified as "dead-end hosts," meaning they cannot transmit it to mosquitoes that bite them.

The common symptoms of EEE include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, seizures, behavioral changes, and drowsiness.

These usually appear five to 10 days after being bitten.

The disease can result in fatalities for 30% of infected people and may lead to chronic neurological deficiencies, according to the CDC.

According to Edward Liu, MD, the chief of infectious diseases at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Eastern equine encephalitis can lead to a fatal brain infection (encephalitis).

According to Liu, those with compromised immune systems and older individuals are most vulnerable to mosquito-borne encephalitis.

According to Dr. John Ayers, vice chief of innovation in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health at UC San Diego, EEE is a serious disease but occurs very infrequently.

He stated that despite the absence of any explicit preventive measures, instances of the occurrence remain significantly less frequent than being struck by lightning.

Prevention and treatment

Liu expressed concern over the fact that local mosquitoes carry the virus and a Massachusetts patient has been infected.

He suggested that educating the public about the risk, encouraging mosquito repellent usage, and spraying to control mosquito populations could be more effective than implementing evening lockdowns during the pandemic.

Ayers stated, "It's difficult to reduce your individual risk of illness since the chances are already quite low."

"These viral encephalitis have no treatment, so prevention and supportive care is the only course of action."

Mosquito vector diseases can be managed through killing mosquitoes, reducing standing water habitats, and spraying to eliminate their larvae, as agreed upon.

Liu pointed out that there is no cure for these viral encephalitis, so the best course of action is to focus on prevention and supportive care.

There is currently no vaccine for Eastern equine encephalitis.

For more Health articles, visit www.Planet Chronicle/health

The CDC confirmed that the best way to prevent infection is by preventing mosquito bites.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to the CDC for additional comment.