For Immediate Release

Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019

Media Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: kelsey@jgpr.net

King Philip Regional School District Announces Restrictions on Outdoor Activities Due to Aerial Mosquito Spraying

NORFOLK — Superintendent Paul Zinni reports that King Philip Regional School District is cancelling all outdoor activities after 6:30 p.m. due to mosquito spraying.

Aerial mosquito spraying is scheduled to take place locally throughout the weekend, and coupled with the threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), the district is restricting all outdoor activities after 6:30 p.m.

“The safety of our students and staff is of the utmost importance, and we’ve taken several measures to protect students from mosquitoes as concerns about EEE have risen throughout the state,” Superintendent Zinni said. “While aerial spraying remains ongoing, we are restricting outdoor activities to ensure all members of the King Philip community are safe.”

The King Philip Marching Band Preview Show at King Philip High School will still take place, and will begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday instead of 6 p.m.

King Philip Regional School District conducted mosquito spraying at King Philip Middle and High Schools on Sunday, Sept. 1 through Tuesday, Sept. 3 using organic insecticide, and continues to encourage students and staff to wear bug repellent when spending time outdoors.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health currently lists the risk level for EEE in Plainville, Norfolk and Wrentham as “moderate.”

EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. While EEE can infect people of all ages, people under 15 or over 50 years of age are at the greatest risk for serious illness.

Information about EEE and reports of current and historical EEE virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases.

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