Navigating the triple-e threat in Vermont

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Amid the threat of triple-e, should folks be attending evening events in high-risk communities?

Vermont health officials issued a warning last Wednesday recommending people in high-risk towns to take protective measures against eastern equine encephalitis, a rare but serious disease spread by infected mosquitos. Those recommendations included staying inside as much as possible between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. for high-risk towns including Alburgh, Burlington, Colchester, and Swanton.

Burlington’s Summervale event was canceled last week because of the triple-e concerns. Organizers of Oktoberfest Vermont 2024 at the Burlington Waterfront on Monday said they were also pulling the plug. But this coming weekend’s Arthop is on, Organizers have acknowledged the triple-e threat on their website with an advisory.

State epidemiologist Patsy Kelso says it’s all about informing residents and visitors so that they can make the decision that’s right for them.” We are not explicitly saying events should be canceled. We’re leaving that decision up to local jurisdictions, but people should be informed and then make their own decisions about if an event is not canceled, whether they want to attend and what precautions they might want to take,” she said.

Most people infected with triple-e do not develop symptoms, Those who do may experience a flu-like illness or fever, chills, body aches, and joint pain. One-third of people with severe illness die. So far, one death and three cases have been reported in New England.

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