They are momentarily ending night games, sickening the public and, causing public angst. They’re Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or Triple E, hosting mosquitoes. This past fall, there were two cases of serious EEE in Marshfield this year, most recently at the end of September.

EEE is carried by horses and birds and transmitted to mosquitoes when their blood is shared. As a result, when the infected mosquito bites a human, the virus can be transferred. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain and seizures.

Despite the 32 degree Fahrenheit weather a week ago, it has not been cold enough for a frost to kill off the mosquitoes. Temperatures need to reach 32 degrees or less for at least three hours to be considered a frost worthy of eliminating the threatening mosquitos.

The town of Scituate made decision to spray for mosquitoes every month or so. Despite such precautions, the threat still exists.

“The last time I remember hearing anything about spraying must have been about a few weeks ago” said SHS Biology teacher Ms. Loughnane.

One may know what EEE is, but what do people need to know about EEE in order to keep safe? Ms. L shared crucial pieces of information about EEE, “I know it’s carried by mosquitos and I know it can cause death” she said. These facts are basic yet extremely important to resident’s safety in avoiding the virus.

“I think the best way to keep yourself safe is just to use bug spray” said Loughnane.

While EEE has been threatening our health, the most noticeable inconvenience of EEE is its change of the atmosphere of SHS nightlife. All outdoor events after 6 p.m. at night are prohibited and therefore must be rescheduled for a different time. EEE has put all of the weeknight fall sport games and practices on hold and has also pushed the well-attended and greatly anticipated Friday night football games, to a less lively Saturday morning or afternoon start time.

“Instead of going straight home on Friday’s we go straight to practice, so it’s basically adding an extra day to our week” said junior football player Sean Shea. “It’s just weird that we can’t be out at night but then you go a town over and they are allowed the night games and practices,” said Shea.

Despite the frustration from students, athletes and fans alike, the town’s decision was made with the best interest of the health of Scituate citizens in mind.