Dear Three Rivers Community Schools parents, students and staff –

There was a press release yesterday by the Michigan Department of Health And Human Services regarding the recent cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), which is a virus carried by mosquitoes. There were a few confirmed cases reported in the counties of Barry, Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren where humans were infected from mosquito bites. EEE also affects horses that have not been vaccinated. Mosquito bites usually occur between dusk to dawn. 

We are taking precautionary measures for all of our middle school and high school outdoor fall sports athletes, marching band, coaches and staff. The number one measure to avoid mosquito bites is to use insect repellent that contains DEET. All of our MS and HS outdoor athletic coaches will be supplied with insect repellent that contains DEET. In addition, our athletic director has met with the Wolverine Conference athletic directors to look at the possibility of adjusting ending times for all outdoor sporting events.

The following are recommended precautions by the Michigan Department of Health & Human services to avoid mosquito bites that parents are encouraged to consider:

• Apply insect repellent that contains the active ingredient DEET.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.

• Maintain window and door screening.

• Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home.

• Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.

• Considering not doing outdoor activities at or after dark.

We will continue to monitor this situation to ensure all students, staff and coaches are safe during outdoor activities.

Feel free to contact me at rmoag@trschools.org or call me at 269-279-1100 if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Ron Moag, Superintendent