• September 17, 2019

     

    Dear Parents/Guardians,

    Given the recent discovery of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Michigan, Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools is encouraging anyone going out for activities at dusk or later or before/at dawn when mosquitos are most active to take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites. At this time the virus has been found in a few animals in the Genesee County area. We are monitoring the situation and will keep you updated as to school related events; we do not anticipate any change to outdoor recess or daytime activities.

    We are in communication with our State and County Health Departments as well as superintendents from surrounding districts. Events will not be canceled or rescheduled at this time, but we are looking at options for additional mosquito abatement action, and are aware that the situation could transform going forward. Please stay up to date on the district website. If events do need to be canceled or changed, we will update as soon as possible.

    It is advised that we all take the following precautions by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHSS):

    • Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
    • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
    • Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
    • Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
    • Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.

    Infections can occur even when mosquito bite numbers are low. Anyone with a lowered immune system, including children and those over age 60, should be especially cautious.

    The following links will provide more information:

    Link to MDHHS info on EEE: https://www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/0,4579,7-186-76711_77442---,00.html

    Link to CDC info on EEE: https://www.cdc.gov/easternequineencephalitis/gen/pre.html

    Sincerely,

    Clipart image of Superintendent Kindle's signature  

    Eddie Kindle, Ed.S.

    Superintendent of Schools