EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis), a serious mosquito-borne disease, has been detected in Rhode Island. The Town of South Kingstown has been working closely with the State (RIEMA, RIDOH, RIDEM) to continue to monitor the situation, and provide the public with information and updates. The State is urging all Rhode Islanders to take personal precautions against EEE. The Town will continue to share information on the situation as it becomes available. Residents are encouraged to monitor RIEMA, RIDEM & RIDOH online and social media outlets for up to date information. Questions should be directed to the State agencies, or residents can call 2-1-1.
Aerial Spraying:
Between September 8th - 10th, the State conducted aerial spraying in certain areas of Rhode Island. This first round of spraying did not include South Kingstown. On September 19th, the State announced a second round of aerial spraying, which will impact 12 communities. This second round of spraying will include limited portions of South Kingstown. This is planned (weather dependent) for the night of Monday, September 23rd, 2019. Please see the press release and map linked below for further detail.
Press Release Sept 19, 2019: www.ri.gov/press/view/36752
Spray Map (Round 2): www.dem.ri.gov/programs/agriculture/images/mosquito/flight-map-2-1.jpg
Parks & Recreation:
The Parks and Recreation Department has implemented precautionary measures relative to the threat of EEE, impacting outdoor activities in the parks at dusk or after dark. The Town's Recreation Department outdoor youth program schedules (flag football and tennis) have been adjusted to adhere to recommended smart scheduling by RIDOH. All Youth Leagues and organizations utilizing Town facilities are advised to modify practice and game schedules to end no later than sunset. All leagues, programs and organizations utilizing Town outdoor athletic facilities, are required to adhere to personal precautions against mosquitos as advised by RIDOH. Please read the Public Notice linked below for further detail.
www.southkingstownri.com/DocumentCenter/View/3385/Public-Notice-re-EEE-and-Park-Activity
School Department:
All questions related to South Kingstown interscholastic athletic program scheduling should be directed to the South Kingstown School Department. The Superintendent has posted the below notice on the School Department website.
www.skschools.net/news/what_s_new/health_alert_e_e_e
Resources:
All State of Rhode Island Press Releases: www.ri.gov/press
RIDOH Press Releases: www.health.ri.gov/news
RIDEM Press Releases: www.dem.ri.gov/news
EEE Fact Sheet: www.health.ri.gov/publications/factsheets/EasternEquineEncephalitis.pdf
FAQs about Spraying: www.health.ri.gov/disease/carriers/mosquitoes/about/spraying/
Spray Map (Round 1): www.dem.ri.gov/programs/agriculture/images/mosquito/mosq-flight-map0919-4.jpg
Additional Resources:
www.health.ri.gov/mosquito
www.cdc.gov/westnile
www.cdc.gov/easternequineencephalitis