The town Board of Health approved a regulation last week for “containment and prevention of mosquito-borne illness.” It gives health officials the authority to limit or ban outdoor activities on town-owned properties and some private properties where youth activities are held, when there is a threat of mosquito-borne illness. The regulation also allows health officials to issue advisories to private organizations such as colleges or golf courses, asking that they produce plans for addressing risks when a mosquito threat exists. If they fail to produce plans or adhere to them, the health board can implement a curtailment or full ban of activities. Under the regulation, the Board of Health can fine violators $100 for an initial failure to comply and up to $1,000 for subsequent infractions. Easton's current status as an "epicenter" for mosquitoes infected with Eastern equine encephalitis prompted the town to draft the regulations.