With the threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis near, local officials have taken proactive steps to keep people safe ”“ particularly student athletes and their fans who would be exposed at peak mosquito times in areas where EEE has been found in mosquito test pools.

Earlier this week, athletic directors in Wells, Kennebunk and York moved their game times to earlier in the day for several sports due to concerns about mosquito populations. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has said mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk ”“ typical game time for many high school sports. The Maine CDC recommends people use EPA-approved insect repellent when outdoors; wear protective clothing outdoors, including long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks; use window and door screens to keep mosquitos out of the house; limiting time outdoors at dawn and dusk; and removing containers with water in or around the home, as water can attract mosquitoes.

Moving game times follows those recommendations, and we’re pleased to see the positive response from high schools and their athletic directors.

Individuals and families need to be vigilant as well in following the CDC guidelines.

EEE is a virus transmitted through a bite from an infected mosquito. It can cause serious illness in humans, large animals such as horses and some species of birds, and while it feels like the flu without the respiratory symptoms, in severe cases, it can cause death. Symptoms can include fever, severe headache, vomiting and mental confusion, which can eventually progress to coma, according to the CDC.

If people experience these symptoms, they should visit their doctor, the CDC recommends.

So far, testing has found mosquitoes positive for EEE in pools in Alfred, York and Lebanon. With temperatures fluctuating, EEE could remain a threat for several weeks to come.

To prevent infection, people should follow the CDC recommendations and be particularly careful to ensure children, elderly and people with compromised immune systems are following the recommendations.

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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.