Critical Information about Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Roberta Hersom

September 18, 2024

September 18, 2024

Dear Families, Students and Staff,

I am writing to share critical information about mosquito-borne illnesses as schools across Maine received the following MDOE Priority notice this afternoon.  Both Kennebec and Somerset are among the high risk counties identified by the CDC. Our schools are taking measures to notify families and use mitigation strategies as recommended by the CDC—an important component is raising awareness and providing education for families about the risk, and personal protections they can take for themselves and their families.  Please read the information provided here and note the links to available resources.  Please contact your student’s school for more information.

Sincerely,

Roberta Hersom

Superintendent of Schools

 

In recent weeks, the Maine CDC has reported:  

  • West Nile virus (WNV) in 15 wild birds and in one human  

  • Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus in 4 horses, 2 emus, 1 llama, and 1 wild turkey 

  • Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV) in 4 mosquito pools (groups of up to 50 mosquitoes regularly tested as part of routine surveillance)  

Presence of these viruses in animals indicates that mosquitos in certain regions of our state do carry the viruses and therefore pose a risk to humans. 

Maine CDC has identified the following counties as being high risk: Cumberland, Kennebec, Penobscot, Somerset, and Waldo counties. All other counties are at an elevated risk at this time. All three of these viruses are spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and usually start with flu-like symptoms in humans. Severe symptoms can include brain swelling (encephalitis) and spinal cord inflammation (meningitis). 

EEE is a deadly virus that has an approximate mortality rate of 30 percent for those who develop severe disease and, if survived, often has serious, lifelong neurological impacts. West Nile Virus causes serious, sometimes fatal, illness in approximately one out of 150 people. For survivors, recovery may take several weeks to months, and some will have lifelong impacts. If you experience flu-like symptoms, severe headache, behavior changes, or serious drowsiness, call a health care provider, especially if a COVID-19 test is negative. 

Prevention strategies are critical to keep students, staff, and families safe when participating in outdoor activities, including recess, games, practices, spectator sports, outdoor classes and field trips. 

The risk for getting a mosquito-borne disease is highest from dusk to dawn and when temperatures are above 50°F (especially above 60°F), since this is when mosquitoes are most active. Risk from mosquito bites is expected to continue until two hard frosts kill the mosquitoes this fall/winter. The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites. 

  • . 

The following actions may reduce the existing risk:  

  • Use repellent. Use an EPA-approved repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 (ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate), or oil of lemon eucalyptus on skin and clothing. Permethrin can also be used on clothing only and is effective through several washes.  

  • Wear protective clothing. Children and others at outdoor after-school activities, practices, or outdoor field trips should be encouraged to wear protective clothing that covers skin. This includes long sleeve shirts, pants, and socks.  

  • Identify any stagnant water sources and drain them. Items such as tires, buckets, rain gutters, pools, tarps, play equipment, overturned traffic cones present opportunities for mosquito breeding habitat. Seek out those sources around the school and any other outdoor venues used by students or staff, and dry out those potential mosquito habitats. Prevent these sources from refilling by removing items, drilling holes, etc. 

  • Check all windows for intact and tight-fitting screens. Patch any holes in screens, as necessary.  

Resources Available