August 2024 Update                                             

As you are probably aware, EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) has been found in mosquitos locally. Although an uncommon disease, those infected have up to a 33% mortality rate and others suffer long-term disabilities. Our properties are currently open for outdoor adventures and overnighters, but this is subject to change.

• Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
• When outdoors between dusk and dawn, insist that all participants should wear socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
• Participants must use mosquito repellent when outdoors
• If sleeping in tents, tents must have adequate mosquito netting
• Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Stay away from or empty any containers that collect water, such as buckets, tires, and birdbaths.

We will continue to monitor the situation and update our guidance as needed. Please know that the information available to us and local restrictions are evolving and the threat will continue until the first frost. Do not rely on this document alone. More details on mosquito-borne illness can be found at:          

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Updates

A large prevalence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis is being reported in the mosquito populations in our area. Health and safety are always our first concern in Scouting and here at the Narragansett Council.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but severe disease caused by a virus that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. EEE can cause severe illness and possibly lead to death in any age group; however, people under age 15 are at particular risk. EEE does not occur every year, but based on mosquito sampling, a high risk of occurrence of human cases currently exists.

As cases of EEE increase in Southern New England, the Narragansett Council is taking steps to ensure the safety of its Scouts and families.

Contact us at 401-351-8700 with any questions.

General Precautions

Whether at a Council camp, unit activity, or non-scouting event, The Narragansett Council strongly encourages everyone to follow the steps outlined by the Department of Health to limit exposure to EEE:

1. Schedule outdoor events to avoid the hours between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
2. Move evening activities to indoor locations or reschedule.
3. When you are outdoors, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and socks. This may be difficult to do when the weather is hot, but it will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
4. Use a repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the instructions given on the product label.  Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
5. Keep mosquitoes out of your house by repairing any holes in your screens and making sure they are tightly attached to all your doors and windows.
6. Remove areas of standing water around your home. Here are some suggestions:
   • Look around outside your house for containers and other things that might collect water and turn them over, regularly empty them, or dispose of them. 
   • Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors so that water can drain out.
   • Clean clogged roof gutters: remove leaves and debris that may prevent rainwater drainage.
   • Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
   • Change the water in birdbaths every few days; aerate ornamental ponds or stock them with fish.
   • Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated; remove standing water from pool covers.
   • Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

For additional resources, you may visit:

For Massachusetts: https://www.mass.gov/guides/eee-in-massachusetts

For Rhode Island: http://health.ri.gov/disease/carriers/mosquitoes/index.php

For Connecticut: https://portal.ct.gov/Mosquito