Dear Harper Creek Families,
Harper Creek Community Schools, along with our neighboring school districts, has been closely monitoring the recent outbreak of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-borne disease. With guidance from Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD), Harper Creek Community Schools will continue outdoor activities as scheduled at this time. The following considerations were taken into account in our determination:
· Recess times, gym and marching band classes all take place during the day when the risk is lowest.
· Most all athletic practices take place immediately after school during daylight hours.
· Many of our outdoor athletic competitions take place on hard surfaces, known to prevent mosquitoes from breeding, thus reducing the likelihood of contact.
· Regarding activities that do take place at or after dusk, we encourage everyone to follow the MDHHS recommendations to reduce risk of contact. This advice should be followed until the first hard frost of the fall:
o Apply insect repellent prior to spending time outdoors. If you choose to apply insect repellent to your elementary student, please do so prior to the start of the school day. Please do not send repellent to school.
o Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible.
o Be aware of the signs of EEE and contact your doctor immediately, should your student experience any symptoms.
· Other precautions to be taken at home, in addition to all of the above, include:
o Maintain window and door screens.
o Use nets or fans over outdoor eating areas.
o Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
We will continue to watch the developments surrounding EEE closely and will take the appropriate steps necessary to protect the health of all of our students, coaches, and staff. If you have further questions, or seek additional information, please contact the Calhoun County Health Department at (269) 969-6366. Please find attached additional EEE information for your reference.
Sincerely,
Rob Ridgeway
Superintendent
EEE Information Sheet