Burlington events canceled, disrupted by arrival of Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Mosquitos are definitely a bane of summer life in Vermont, but rarely like this.

Recent discoveries of the potentially fatal mosquito-borne illness Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have prompted the cancelation or rescheduling of several events in Burlington. The center of the region’s public-gathering activities, Vermont’s largest city is one of the areas of highest risk for EEE, according to the Vermont Department of Health.

That has led the Health Department to “strongly recommend” that people in communities of elevated risk limit outdoor exposure between prime mosquito times of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. until the first hard frost that kills mosquitos arrives. Five high-risk communities – Burlington, Colchester, Alburgh, Swanton and Sudbury – have been identified by the Health Department.

Cancelations or rescheduling of events in Burlington include:

Oktoberfest Vermont

Perhaps the largest event affected by EEE, Oktoberfest Vermont would have taken place Sept. 20-21 at Waterfront Park. More than 30 breweries and cideries – including Chittenden County businesses Zero Gravity, Switchback, Burlington Beer, American Flatbread, Citizen Cider, Four Quarters, Black Flannel, Goodwater and Green Empire – were due to participate in the event that often sells out.

“While the eventual outcome of this virus’ impact and the general response from the public is not our judgment call to make, the significant costs associated with organizing this event prevent us from delaying this decision any further to find out,” reads a statement from Oktoberfest Vermont posted Sept. 3 to social media. “Please know that this decision was not made lightly and we share your disappointment.”

The decision was based on “strong recommendations” from the Vermont Department of Health and City of Burlington, according to the post. Full refunds for those who already bought tickets for Oktoberfest Vermont were due by Sept. 4.

Summervale

The annual music-and-food event held during the summer at the Intervale along the Winooski River canceled its Aug. 29 and Sept. 5 events “for the safety of our staff and our community,” according to Summervale’s website. This year’s weekly celebration began July 11 before its abrupt end.

Burlington City Arts concerts

The annual concert series presented by Burlington City Arts has been disrupted by EEE. Daytime events remain in City Hall Park, but evening performances are being moved indoors to locations including Contois Auditorium inside Burlington City Hall. The Aug. 30 performance by The Discussions was canceled because of the short notice of the EEE recommendations.

Movies at The Frame

The Frame along the Lake Champlain waterfront has been hosting movies at 8 p.m. Thursday nights this summer. A screening of “Barbie” that had been scheduled for Sept. 5 at the former Moran Plant site has been canceled because of the threat of EEE.

EEE cases in Vermont

According to the Vermont Department of Health website, 47 groups of mosquitos tested positive for the EEE virus across 11 communities, compared with 14 groups in three towns in 2023. The first Vermont case of EEE in humans since 2012 was detected in Chittenden County in August.

“EEE virus activity in Vermont clusters near acidic, hardwood swamps, most commonly in Franklin, Grand Isle, Addison, and northern Rutland counties,” according to the state Health Department. “However, EEE virus could be circulating in other parts of the state, so all Vermonters should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.”

Communities listed by the Vermont Department of Health as having moderate risk for EEE are Milton, Vergennes, Grand Isle, Cornwall and Whiting. The towns of Highgate, Fairfield, Benson, Brandon, Leicester and New Haven have a low risk for EEE, according to the Health Department.

“Most people who do get sick (from EEE) experience a flu-like illness with fever, chills, body aches, and joint pain,” according to the Vermont Department of Health. “This illness can last one to two weeks, and most people recover completely when there is no central nervous system involvement.”

In rare cases, according to the state Department of Health, infection of the brain and spinal cord results, causing sudden high fever, a stiff next and a worsening headache.

“About one-third of people who develop encephalitis from an infection with the EEE virus will die,” the Health Department’s website reads. “Among those who survive, many are left with mild to severe disabilities.” People over age 50 or younger than 15 are at greatest risk for developing severe disease, according to the Health Department.

Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@freepressmedia.com.