Town steps up spraying, changes recess procedures after 5-year-old diagnosed with EEE
Monday is the first day back to class in Sudbury since a 5-year-old girl was diagnosed with Eastern equine encephalitis in the town.
Town leaders say trucks will be rolling through town, spraying for mosquitoes Monday and Tuesday.
Workers with backpack sprayers will go around the vegetation of school properties to try to cut the mosquito population. Seven people have been diagnosed with EEE so far this season. Sudbury has seen the youngest case.
Recess will be held indoors at Sudbury elementary schools. Middle School students will be kept to the blacktop areas. Health experts will attend Tuesday’s School Committee meeting to discuss the issue.
EEE is a potentially deadly virus and has severe effects on those who survive. School leaders say emotional support will be on hand for students as they head back to class.
The 5-year-old Sudbury girl was one of two new human cases of Eastern equine encephalitis confirmed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Friday. Officials said the girl is being treated at an area hospital and is in critical condition.
