On September 17, 2019, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued an advisory to the residents in Kalamazoo County to avoid evening outdoor activities because of the risk of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito borne illness. In response, Portage Parks & Recreation encourages park patrons to dress in long pants and sleeves, and wear insect repellent while outdoors in the evening.
While Portage Parks & Recreation has not yet made any changes to the calendar of events or recreation activities, the possibility exists that certain evening events would be canceled or rescheduled should the current conditions remain. Event and activity changes or cancellations would be posted to the city’s website (portagemi.gov) and the Parks & Recreation Facebook page (Portage MI Parks & Recreation).
Portage Park Rangers continue to monitor parks, playgrounds and athletic fields to eliminate any standing water that could encourage mosquitoes to breed. The City of Portage will monitor developments surrounding EEE closely, and will make the necessary changes to the event and activities schedule to protect the health of Portage park patrons.
Residents may contact the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department with questions concerning EEE at 373-5200 or visit their website at kalcounty.com/hcs for more information.
