Amidst recollections of the pandemic, the town's self-imposed nighttime restriction to halt the transmission of a deadly mosquito-borne virus has garnered criticism.
In 2005, 2012, and 2019, various towns in Massachusetts and Connecticut asked their residents to restrict outdoor activities during outbreaks of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a disease also known by this name, with minimal fanfare or recognition.
Lately, however, when officials in Oxford, Massachusetts, proposed a voluntary curfew and encouraged residents to finish outdoor activities before 6 p.m. until the end of September, and 5 p.m. in October until the first frost, some residents voiced their discontent. About 200 individuals attended a town meeting to discuss the measure.
The same level of resistance wasn't present during similar initiatives to combat the spread of EEE in 2019. According to Philip Davis, president of Oxford's Little League, "In my family, we were completely done when Covid ended. We were done being confined, being scared. Living in fear is no way to live."
However, with the 2019 EEE curfews and subsequent Covid restrictions fresh in people's minds, Davis stated, "I think everybody at this point is just, 'Enough is enough. Let's put decision-making back in the hands of parents.' "
Eastern equine encephalitis is caused by a virus that is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The virus subsequently travels to the brain, leading to swelling or inflammation. Symptoms can include a sudden headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting, which may progress to disorientation, seizures, and coma. Severe cases are relatively rare, with around 11 reported infections in the US annually, as stated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Mosquitoes that spread EEE are most active during dusk and dawn.
"I would imagine the dusk-to-dawn curfew decision wasn't taken lightly by the local and state health departments," stated Dr. Kristy Murray, an expert in mosquito-borne viruses at Emory University.
"Given the most horrific outbreak of EEE in the United States, which occurred in Massachusetts in 1938, with 25 deaths predominantly in children, I imagine public health authorities would want to take measures to prevent another outbreak if the data indicate a concern," wrote Murray in an email to CNN.
According to Lori Freeman, the CEO of the National Association of County and City Health Officials, also known as NACCHO, a curfew has several effects: it moves people off the street during the most likely biting times, draws attention to the hazard, and sometimes makes the work of spraying chemical insecticides to control mosquito populations safer for crews.
Oxford and three other towns – Douglas, Sutton, and Webster – were classified as being at high risk of EEE on August 16 after a person and a horse in the area tested positive for the infection, which kills around 1 in 3 individuals who contract it, and leaves around 50% of survivors with long-term neurological issues, according to the CDC. Currently, there is no specific treatment for the illness.
Oxford Town Manager Jennifer Callahan wrote a public letter to the town's board of health, informing them that the person who tested positive resided in Oxford. She cited the family members of the affected individual, who urged town officials to alert others.
However, this wasn't enough to sway some parents and coaches. A Change.org petition to protest the proposal collected over 880 signatures on Monday.
"My children have lost a significant portion of their childhood due to Covid. Participating in football and cheering provided a semblance of normalcy throughout the years. Please don't terminate the fields," wrote an ER nurse who identified herself. She acknowledged the risk of EEE but suggested alternative measures, such as spraying and wearing protective clothing.
"Government overreach in the name of safety has significantly impacted our children's lives," another commenter wrote.
Rike Sterrett, the director of public health services for Oxford, understands that the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions had a significant impact on both parents and children, leaving a lasting impression on public health. She emphasizes that the town's curfew is a recommendation and is voluntary.
Public schools are adhering to the voluntary guidelines set forth. They are not canceling activities or sports but are rescheduling them or holding them indoors as much as possible.
The town has exceptionally granted outside groups the ability to continue utilizing city property for outdoor activities after hours, provided they sign a legal agreement recognizing the risks and provide evidence of adequate insurance.
"So you won't have those evening under-the-lights games, and it's simply adjusting those practice schedules," she explained.
Sterrett explained that she had worked in the town of Marlborough, Massachusetts, in 2019, which also experienced a challenging year for EEE, with 12 human cases across the US. Officials made similar recommendations to close outdoor activities just before dusk.
"In 2019, I recall a slightly lesser level of resistance to these recommendations, but there was still resistance," Sterrett said, adding that she understands that people want to enjoy the outdoors before the onset of winter.
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The community leaders prefer to adhere to the state's proposal, which entails limiting outdoor activities from sunset till sunrise, as he pointed out, "that's quite a shift."
Speaking of Tuesday night, sunset is estimated to be around 8 PM, which is two hours post the suggested curfew time.
Davis mentioned that his Little League group intends to submit the town's necessary form and possesses the insurance sanctioned for continued games on the fields beyond the curfew hour. He noted that he will guide his trainers to bring practices to a close half an hour before sunset, ensuring players vacate the fields, collect their gear, and make it indoors within ample time.
The time will definitely surpass 6 PM.
"We felt this decision was completely unjustified," Davis expressed.
Residents voiced concerns about the proposed curfew due to the impact of previous health restrictions, such as Covid-19, on their lives. Philip Davis stated, "Living in fear is no way to live."
Despite the serious health risks associated with eastern equine encephalitis, such as long-term neurological issues and a high fatality rate, some individuals are resistant to the proposed curfew and want more control over decision-making.
