Threat of EEE leads to cancellation of Oktoberfest Vermont 2024 | 2 Sept 2024 | The threat of Eastern equine encephalitis has led to the cancellation of another popular event in our region. Organizers say Oktoberfest Vermont 2024 at the Burlington Waterfront is canceled. They say they made the decision after recommendations from state health officials and the city advising people to limit their time outdoors during the evening to avoid the potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus. Health officials recently released advice for people to stay inside as much as possible between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. for high-risk towns including Alburgh, Burlington, Colchester and Swanton. EEE is a rare but serious virus that can be fatal in one out of every three people with significant cases.