• About
  • Editorial Board
    • Staff Writers
  • Advertise
  • Join Us
  • Archives
The Wellesley News -
  • News and Features
    • The Wellesley (COVID) 100
      The Wellesley (COVID) 100
    • In memory of Professor Rebecca Summerhays
      In memory of Professor Rebecca Summerhays
    • Trans flag controversy: College power washes staircase after trans flag is painted over Harry Potter spray paint
      Trans flag controversy: College power washes staircase after trans flag is painted over Harry Potter spray paint
    • News
      • News in Brief
      • Nation & World
      • President’s Corner
      • Senate Report
    • Features
      • Alumnae Spotlight
      • Eye on Science
      • Faculty Focus
      • LGBTQIA+ Column
  • Opinions
    • The News in Conversation: Wellesley Against Mass Incarceration
      The News in Conversation: Wellesley Against Mass Incarceration
    • Editorial Board calls for keeping up trans flag murals
      Editorial Board calls for keeping up trans flag murals
    • No, Elon Musk’s Twitter will not restore free speech
      No, Elon Musk’s Twitter will not restore free speech
    • Staff Editorial
    • Letters to the Editor
    • The Elephant in the Room
  • Arts
    • Be/longing Centers Connection and Care
      Be/longing Centers Connection and Care
    • No image
      Birds Falling Upwards: Wellesley College Theater’s The Moors is a Must-See
    • No image
      Sometimes you just need to read a YA “Groundhog Day” to feel something
    • Arts In The News
    • Reviews
    • Music Peek
    • Books Before Boys
  • Health and Wellness
    • February Student Athlete of the Month
      February Student Athlete of the Month
    • Athletics Update
      Athletics Update
    • Victoria Garrick Speaks on Mental Health
      Victoria Garrick Speaks on Mental Health
    • Athlete of the Week
    • Boston Sports Update
    • The Vegan Digest
    • The SHE Corner
  • The Wellesley Snooze
    • Wellesley News Leadership Changes Completely Peacefully Without Any Suspicious Disappearances At All
      Wellesley News Leadership Changes Completely Peacefully Without Any Suspicious Disappearances At All
    • Solve Your Connection Problems With Wellesley Insecure
      Solve Your Connection Problems With Wellesley Insecure
    • Mayhem strikes Wellesley as paper towels removed from campus
      Mayhem strikes Wellesley as paper towels removed from campus
  • Miscellanea
    • President’s Column: The Butterfly Effect
      President’s Column: The Butterfly Effect
    • Administrators shocked to learn that students dislike being left in dark
      Administrators shocked to learn that students dislike being left in dark
    • 50 Lies You Tell Yourself in Order to Survive Until Graduation
      50 Lies You Tell Yourself in Order to Survive Until Graduation
    • The Dose
    • The Olive Branch
    • Multimedia
      • Galleries
      • Infographics
      • Videos
By Shreya Kochar Sports and WellnessSeptember 18, 2019

Here’s what you need to know about EEE

Photo Courtesy of Flickr

Many Wellesley students have heard about Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), the deadly mosquito virus that has taken the lives of three Americans in recent weeks. The spread of the disease to areas near Wellesley College has left some students on edge, with questions about how they can best prepare themselves.

EEE is a virus spread by the bites of infected mosquitoes. According to the Massachusetts state website, the symptoms, which include fever, seizures and brain swelling, occur three to ten days after being bitten. The reason this disease is so dangerous is the possibility of brain inflammation.

Recently, specific areas in Massachusetts have felt the effects of the virus. On Saturday, Sept.15, officials confirmed the eighth case of EEE in the state.

Fortunately, Wellesley is considered a low-risk region for this disease. Ms. Suzanne Howards, who serves as the Director of Environmental Health and Safety at Wellesley, commented, “The College remains aware of overall risks of mosquito-borne illnesses and provides information to the community as needed. Our Grounds employees work towards controlling mosquito populations as much as one can with our landscape.”

Dr. Sarah Rosenberg-Scott of Health Services has reassured that, “[EEE has] been addressed all the way from the President through the Deans through the facilities and Health Services.” The College has taken preventative measures such as removing standing water such as puddles or bird baths, and making sure students know how to dress when they decide to participate in activities at dusk or dawn. Last Tuesday evening, the student body received an email that said the state would be spraying Wellesley College and the surrounding area with a chemical called Anvil. Since this announcement, many students have been worried about the impacts of this on their health and how it would affect the environment. The state website maintains that they have scientific evidence to suggest that the practice is harmless. Dr. Rosenberg-Scott recommends that students, “use a real strong repellent insect repellent . . . when we’re really trying to prevent mosquito-borne disease, you do need something that has DEET.” According to Consumer Reports, DEET is a yellowish liquid that repels many insects, including mosquitos and ticks. It is the most commonly used form of repellent.

Additionally, students should keep in mind that areas with standing water have a higher chance of mosquitoes breeding. Students should wear repellent and full sleeved shirts if they choose to walk around Lake Waban, as many parts of the lake have standing water. 

Howards asks that students contact the Service Center if they observe an area where water is collecting. Students should make sure to take care of themselves and follow the mentioned safety tips in the coming weeks. 

Share on

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Google +
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
Previous articleSydney Dollmeyer ’17: the return of a national champion
Next articleAthletics Update

You may also like

February Student Athlete of the Month

Athletics Update

Victoria Garrick Speaks on Mental Health

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Email Newsletter

Sign up to receive our weekly digest in your inbox

* indicates required

Top Articles

Sorry. No data so far.

Recent Tweets

Tweets by @Wellesley_News

The independent student newspaper of Wellesley College since 1901.

Sign up to receive our weekly digest in your inbox

* indicates required

  • About
  • Editorial Board
    • Staff Writers
  • Advertise
  • Join Us
  • Archives
COPYRIGHT © 2022 THE WELLESLEY NEWS
Back to top