Hopkins Public Schools has announced its next varsity football game, at Kelloggsville, will begin at 5 p.m. instead of the customary 7 p.m.
The start time has been moved after several cases of a rare, mosquito-borne virus called Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have been reported in eight Michigan counties, including Van Buren, Cass, Berrien and Kalamazoo.
Though there have not been any reported cases of EEE in Allegan County, there was one in Barry County.
Wayland had its home contest last Friday moved up to 5:30 for the same reason.
Wayland schools’ official announcement said, “Please note this is ONLY a precautionary measure.”
People should follow these guidelines when spending time outdoors to reduce the risk of disease carried by mosquitoes:
- Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registered product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors and apply insect repellent to clothing
- Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside
- Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs
- Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas
