Health officials in one of four Massachusetts communities facing a critical risk for Eastern Equine Encephalitis met Wednesday night at a special meeting to discuss measures to keep residents safe.
As of Wednesday, the towns of Oxford, Douglas, Sutton, and Webster were considered at critical risk for EEE, according to the latest Massachusetts arbovirus risk map .
The towns were elevated to the high-risk level after a man in his 80s recently tested positive for EEE last week .
At a 6 p.m. Board of Health hearing , Oxford officials weighed steps to ensure public safety, including a possible ban on outdoor activities on town property.
The consideration comes just as the fall youth sports seasons get underway.
Health officials recommended a curfew of 6 p.m. while the risk of EEE remained critical.
Town residents are currently advised to avoid being outdoors from dusk to dawn, use insect repellent, and avoid any outside activities at night.
In Dudley, Northbridge, and Uxbridge, the risk for EEE is considered high.