Special Olympics Vermont Health and Safety Announcement

 

Dear SOVT Community,   There have been reports recently from the State of Vermont about cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) locally, identifying Alburgh, Burlington, Colchester, and Swanton as high-risk areas. EEE is caused by a virus spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.   While most areas of Vermont are not currently affected, we wanted to share this information as a precaution.   Some steps you can take to reduce mosquito bites regardless of your area's risk designation include wearing insect repellent and covering up with long sleeves and pants especially when mosquitoes are most active, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. SOVT’s Board of Directors Health Committee Chair, Dr. Jill Rinehart, recommends using insect repellent containing DEET and mentions that Deep woods OFF! is a favorite brand.   It has been recommended to HOD's that if your practices are scheduled in a high-risk area, please follow the current guidance to stay indoors between the hours of 6pm-6am until there is a hard frost that will kill off the mosquito population.   Please be on the lookout for any further communication from your HOD.   A helpful map of affected areas can be found by clicking the button below: Click Here for Map Additional information from the Vermont Department of Health can be found by clicking the button below: Click Here for Additional Information Thank you & Stay Safe, The SOVT Team 16 Gregory Drive, South Burlington, VT, USA (802) 863-5222 Visit our website

Chittenden Golf Practice schedule change effective 9/5/24

Hi all, the Kwini Club has some swampy areas between the putting green and the chipping green making it a problem area for mosquitos. The Vermont Department of Health has suggested avoiding the outdoors from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. To be cautious, we are moving our golf practice from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. This will accommodate most participants. If you have to show up a little late, that is OK. The Vermont Department of Health also recommends wearing long pants, long sleeve shirts and appropriate mosquito repellent too. Thanks, Dave

Vermont Department of Health EEE advisory:

https://www.healthvermont.gov/disease-control/mosquito-borne-diseases/eastern-equine-encephalitis

Vermont Department of Health Mosquito information:

https://www.healthvermont.gov/disease-control/mosquito-borne-diseases/prevent-mosquito-bites