School Sports Schedules May Change to Minimize West Nile Risk

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) recommends that games and practices scheduled to occur during early morning or dusk hours be rescheduled to earlier in the afternoon or relocated to an indoor venue if possible, to help minimize the risk of mosquito bites for players, coaches and spectators.

As of Friday, the district said schedules are under review, but no changes have been made.

and , which was the first human case reported in Rhode Island.

“Rhode Island recently saw its first human case of West Nile Fever and has seen some increase in the number of mosquito pools positive for both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis,” said Michael Fine, MD, director of HEALTH. “Smart scheduling of outdoor activities and personal protection measures are the best ways for Rhode Islanders to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illness.”

At a minimum, HEALTH recommends that schools and organizations remind all participants in outdoor activities to protect themselves from mosquito bites with some simple personal protection actions, including:

• Avoid outdoor activities during dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes are most active at this time
• If you must be outside at dawn or dusk, wear an insect repellant with no more than 30 percent DEET
• Wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants when possible to avoid exposing skin to mosquitoes

HEALTH will continue to update school and municipal officials as conditions change. HEALTH recommends that smart scheduling stays in effect for the remainder of the mosquito season, which typically ends mid-October, after the first hard frost.

Do you think schools should reschedule sporting events to reduce the risk of mosquito bites?  Take our poll!