Health officials debate alert system amid rising disease risk

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the potential use of reverse 911 to alert residents about an increased risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) following the identification of a positive sample in the area. While there have been no reported human or animal cases yet, concerns about public safety prompted the conversation.

One board member expressed hesitation about using reverse 911 at this stage, suggesting that it might cause unnecessary alarm. Instead, they advocated for continued educational outreach to inform the community about precautionary measures, particularly for families with children. Another member highlighted the importance of notifying parents through schools and coordinating with local youth groups to reinforce safety messages.

The discussion also touched on the need to reach residents without children in the school system. Suggestions included utilizing electronic message boards on main roads and disseminating information through community newsletters, particularly targeting vulnerable populations such as seniors.

Officials acknowledged the challenges of effectively communicating with all community members, especially those not engaged with traditional channels. They agreed to explore additional methods to ensure that critical information reaches everyone, particularly as the risk level evolves. The meeting concluded with a commitment to monitor the situation closely and adjust communication strategies as necessary.