Methuen’s local leaders are taking steps to keep residents safe after upgrading the city’s risk level for the mosquito-borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus.
Mayor James P. Jajuga announced a series of measures late Monday, including a mandatory end time of 7 p.m. for all public events on city property until Sept. 30. In addition, the Methuen Health Department is providing staff to answer resident questions daily starting at 8 a.m. Methuen Public Schools are expected to release a revised schedule of outdoor events in the coming days.
The city plans to spray for mosquitoes in areas west of Route 93 on Thursday Aug. 28 from 7:30 p.m.-midnight. Residents there are advised to stay indoors during the spraying.
“We are taking all precautions against EEE,” Jajuga said. “It is not common for a community in Essex County to face this level of concern for the virus, and we hope all residents read and follow these vital safety guidelines.”
Methuen is not the only local community on watch for EEE. Haverhill and North Andover are listed as having a “moderate” risk, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, while Andover and Lawrence have a “high” risk.