Hichborn Middle School / Penobscot Valley High School

Hey Friends + Family! All Maine schools have been advised that there has been an increase in mosquito borne illness, and we've been asked by the CDC to spread awareness!! 

Here's what you need to know to keep safe:

Current Situation:

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)  

The following counties as being high risk: Cumberland, Kennebec, Penobscot, Somerset, and Waldo counties. 

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). 

The risk for getting a mosquito-borne disease is highest from dusk to dawn and when temperatures are above 50°F .

Schools can take and/or encourage the following actions to 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.  

  • School employees and volunteers must have authorization from parents/guardians to apply repellents to minor children (CMR 01-026, Chapter 10, Section 2.I.4.iii - PDF). 

  • Schools that schedule practices or other after-school activities at dusk/evening should encourage the use of EPA-approved repellents for all participants. This includes students, coaches, and observers. 

• Wear protective clothing. This includes long sleeve shirts, pants, and socks.  

• Identify any stagnant water sources and drain them. 

• Check all windows for intact and tight-fitting screens.