While the state waits for the first frost to kill virus-carrying mosquitoes, the University of New Haven is taking steps to protect students from the  Eastern Equine Encephalitis, also known as EEE.

EEE is an illness that is transmitted by mosquitoes. There have been multiple cases across New England, including Connecticut., where there have been three reported deaths at press time. 

Ryan Hagen, campus recreation director, sent an email to the student body on Tuesday, Oct. 1 that canceled outdoor activities between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m.. Those activities included intramural sports games and club sport games and practices.

Hagen said that representatives for the university’s various sports, which typically have night practices and games, can request for a time change, but there are limited fields available. Hagen recommended wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and applying bug spray. Hagen also suggested reaching out toHealth Services in Sheffield Hall. Health Services is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday.

In addition, the Office of Residential Life emailed students that they’ve made bug spray available.

The cold will eventually kill the mosquitoes, and Hagen said in his email that as temperatures drop, the state Department of Public Health has recorded a “dramatic decrease” of mosquitoes that test positively for the virus, though the danger continues until the first frost.

Governor Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Public Health advise residents to avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn. In a press release, DPH Commissioner Renée Coleman-Mitchell said, “Approximately a third of patients who develop EEE die and there is no specific treatment for EEE. Using insect repellent, covering bare skin and avoiding being outdoors from dusk to dawn are effective ways to help keep you from being bitten by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes continue to be active until the first heavy frost.”

Until then, school officials advise students to use  bug spray in their residence halls. In addition, while the campus store does not sell bug spray, students can use Charger Cash to buy it at the CVS located off campus, next to Atwood Apartments.