PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that test results from all 117 mosquito pools, or samples, from 27 traps set statewide during the week of July 10 are negative for both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. This year, to date, no mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Rhode Island.
However, Alan Gettman, Ph.D., DEM's mosquito abatement coordinator, says that because of recent rains, more mosquitoes are hatching and therefore biting. "Higher mosquito numbers raises the probability of disease transmission." Gettman also notes that New Hampshire and Massachusetts have already reported one positive EEE test result each in a mosquito pool, and Connecticut has reported positive West Nile Virus test results in one mosquito pool.
West Nile Virus is well-established throughout the state and, indeed, throughout the country, and EEE has been found in most areas of Rhode Island in prior years. Therefore, throughout the mosquito season, residents are encouraged to protect themselves by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and avoiding mosquito bites. Personal protection is the first line of defense against mosquitoes that can carry diseases such as West Nile Virus and EEE and is by far the most effective way of avoiding infection.
Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds from yards by removing anything that holds standing water, such as old tires, buckets, junk and debris, and clean gutters so that they drain properly. Avoid mosquito bites by using screens on windows and doors, covering up at dawn and dusk, and putting mosquito netting over playpens and baby carriages when they are outside. Also, use mosquito repellent, but with no more than 30 percent DEET. Do not use repellent on infants.
Mosquitoes are trapped every week statewide by DEM staff and tested at the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) laboratory. DEM will normally report mosquito test results once a week on a routine basis, generally by Wednesday, with additional reports as necessary. Test results from mosquitoes trapped last week will be included in next week's announcement. Positive mosquito test results will generally trigger additional trapping to assess risk.
For online information about mosquito-borne diseases, go to DEM's website, www.state.dem.ri.gov, and click on "Public Health Updates", or go to the HEALTH website, www.health.ri.gov, and click on "E" (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) or "W" ((West Nile Virus)) under "Health Topics".
