Shrewsbury – The Shrewsbury Health Department announced today that due to the recent increase in mosquito-borne illness detection in neighboring towns, all planned evening, outdoor gatherings and sporting events in Shrewsbury between the hours of dusk and dawn will be cancelled/rescheduled until further notice.
The determination to cancel evening events is based on the proximity to the town of Westborough where the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has raised the threat level for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) to critical, due to the death of a Westborough resident in late August who was infected with EEE. In addition, samples collected from mosquito traps in Westborough have tested positive for EEE.
“The rescheduling/cancellation of evening events should not create a sense of panic for our residents,” stated Dr. Michael Hirsh, Acting Commissioner of Public Health. “This is a precautionary measure we are taking based on recommendations made by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in an effort to lessen the risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses.”
