Mosquito Threat

Greetings, parents and guardians.

Obviously, we are among the many who are concerned about the mosquito threat and the presence of EEE in our surrounding area. We've done some research:

1. According to Children's Hospital: "The easiest and most effective way to avoid mosquito bites is by using insect repellant. There are many products that are made to prevent mosquito bites. Experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)  recommend one that can be applied directly to the skin that is particularly effective: DEET (usually listed on labels as N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide).

The amount of DEET in insect repellents varies and may range from less than 10 percent to more than 30 percent. Products with higher concentrations of DEET tend to provide longer protection and need to be applied less frequently. According to the AAP, products that have around 10 percent DEET may keep away insects for nearly 2 hours, while products with about 24 percent DEET last an average of 5 hours."

While we do not supply bug spray, and while our staff cannot apply it to students, we are strongly recommending that student-athletes come to practice with their own repellant. This is consistent with our directions about sunscreen, particularly in the winter and spring seasons.

2. People are advised to stay indoors from dusk to dawn. Dusk is listed in Uxbridge for this week as roughly 8:10 p.m. (last light), with sunset around 7:40 p.m. We will do our best to have all practices end by 6:45 p.m. to avoid any concerns on that end. Sunrise is listed at 6:00 a.m., and no practices will start before sunrise.

3. Obviously, parents will exercise their best judgment. We're all parents too, so we share everyone's concern. As we are not out of the proverbial woods until the first frost, we will need to exercise collective caution and work together to mitigate threats. 

In the meantime, should Uxbridge be identified as a critical threat, we will be in touch with the state Board of Environmental Protection regarding aerial spraying, as well as considering options for the campuses.

Thank you,

Michael Rubin, Principal, Uxbridge High School
Leanne DeMarco, Principal, Whitin Intermediate School
Christopher Carbone, Athletic Director, Uxbridge Public Schools