Coventry preschool takes EEE safety measures

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COVENTRY, R.I. (WLNE):  A Coventry preschool is trying to protect kids against EEE by taking extra safety measures after one of their former students, a now 6-year-old, is recovering from the virus.

“It was about two days ago that I got a call from one of our staff members who had the child, the 6-year-old from Coventry who had been infected,” Jessica Lanoue, Program Coordinator at Creative Child Inc., said. “When she told me the name I was in shock.” 

The Creative Child, an Early Childhood and School Age program, sent home an urgent letter to parents explaining the dangers of EEE and tips on how to protect kids from getting the virus. 

“Patching up screens, tightening up loose doors that mosquitoes could be getting into, purchasing EPA bug spray,” Lanoue said. 

One parent picking up her child from preschool said she has been on edge because it could have been anyone’s child. 

“I specifically try not to go out around dusk because there’s a chance my son can get bit,” Alyssa Hull, a Coventry parent said. “Especially after what happened with that little girl. She could have passed away.” 

The Rhode Island D.E.M. has aerially sprayed areas at critical risk of carrying EEE, including Coventry. However, Lanoue said they wanted to take measures into their own hands just to be extra careful by getting the school directlty sprayed. 

“We wanted to make sure our grounds were double sae,” Lanoue said. “We sprayed specific locations like the playground and the sandbox.” 

“We’ve had to make provisions in our schedule to have them inside by 4 to 4:30 before that dusk period hits,” Lanoue said. 

Lanoue said she hopes other schools follow in the same footsteps by taking extra safety measures and communicating with parents. 

© WLNE-TV 2019