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Scouts try to keep cool at the jamboree. The CDC says more should have been done to prevent heat-related illnesses. FILE/ Visit the Photo Place

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CDC examines Scout jamboree

Report finds that officials effectively tracked illnesses and injuries over 10 days, but should have done more about the heat.

Date published: 1/28/2006

By JEFF BRANSCOME

The 2005 National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill was marred by the electrocution of four Scout leaders and heat-related illnesses suffered by hundreds of people.

But a new federal report notes the effective way health officials tracked the Scouts' illnesses and injuries at the Caroline County Army post during the 10-day event. It cites the public health surveillance effort as a model for other large, outdoor events.

The study released yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that the event's organizers failed to provide enough water and shade for those attending a jamboree show July 27, which led to hundreds of Scouts being overcome by the heat.

But the report "is not about the mass casualties as much as its about the surveillance," said Virginia Department of Health epidemiologist Mike Coletta, one of the report's co-authors. "In that sense, I believe the jamboree was a success."

The CDC report details the methods used to identify and/or prevent illnesses and injuries at the quadrennial event. The jamboree's 25 clinics recorded 14,857 injuries and illnesses, the report states, almost a quarter of them caused by the heat.

July 27 was the worst day, when Boy Scouts of America officials announced that at least 300 people had been treated for heat-related illnesses. That number could be low, the report says, because "the number of ill campers overwhelmed the system."

An estimated 60,000 sweltered in the late-afternoon heat as they waited for a scheduled appearance by President Bush. The visit was eventually canceled due to thunderstorms.

The heat index reached 121 degrees while people stood for several hours "without adequate water or shade structures," the report said.

"It was just so hot, they needed more water than they had," Coletta said in an interview yesterday.

Boy Scouts spokesman Gregg Shields said officials are still studying the report, which they hope will help them plan for a "good, safe jamboree in 2010."

"It's tragically unfortunate that anyone suffered from heat-related illnesses," he said. "But our medical operation was ready and able to respond when help was needed."

Injuries and illnesses suffered at the 2005 National Scout Jamboree included: 1,624 cases of heat exhaustion or stroke 1,016 respiratory problems 3,959 blisters, nosebleeds and dental problems 2,795 lacerations and abrasions 1,377 bites or stings 453 tick bites 417 rashes 5 deaths, four electrocutions; one heart attack

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Date published: 1/28/2006