MDHHS Announcement of EEE Virus Notification Letter

September 18, 2019

Dear Holly Area Schools families,

State and local health officials are urging caution after confirmed cases of a rare, mosquito-borne virus called Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have been reported in eight Michigan counties, including Genesee.

Due to our proximity to Genesee County, we believe it wise, for the safety of our students, to share the recommendations of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: “MDHHS is encouraging local officials in the five Southwest Michigan counties that have been impacted by human EEE cases and St. Joseph, Genesee, and Lapeer counties – which have had animal EEE cases – to consider postponing, rescheduling or canceling outdoor activities occurring at or after dusk, particularly activities that involve children. The MDHHS recommendation is being made out of an abundance of caution to protect the public health and applies until the first hard frost of the year.  See MDHHS Article "Four new cases of mosquito-borne disease reported in Southwest Michigan, including two that were fatal

There have not been any reported human cases of EEE in Genesee County, but parents should still exercise caution with young people. This advice should be followed until the first hard frost of the fall. At this time, the Genesee County Health Department has not recommended cancellation of evening events or activities.

As a precaution because of our proximity to Genesee County, Holly Area Schools has contracted with a professional company to apply a mosquito treatment to all outdoor athletic areas at Holly High School on the morning of Friday, September 20th. Treatments are also being scheduled next week for the remaining outdoor student activity areas of the district. At this time, we will continue our regularly scheduled evening events and continue to work with local health department officials to determine any additional steps that need to be taken.

Click below for guidance from the CDC on prevention. 
https://www.cdc.gov/easternequineencephalitis/gen/pre.html

Sincerely,

Scott M. Roper, Superintendent
Holly Area Schools

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) Fact Sheet