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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM ANNOUNCES EEE FOUND IN SOUTH KINGSTOWN POOL OF MOSQUITOES PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that test results from one mosquito pool, or sample, from a trap set at Peckham Farm at the University of Rhode Island has been confirmed positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. It is the first time this year that EEE has been positively identified in Rhode Island, although it is presumed likely to be present in all areas of the state. The positive EEE result was from a Culex species that bites both birds and humans.The positive finding came from mosquitoes trapped by DEM staff on August 24 and tested at the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) laboratory. The results were confirmed late yesterday afternoon. As a result, DEM will be setting extra mosquito traps in South Kingstown. According to Alan Gettman, Ph.D., DEM's mosquito abatement coordinator, it was not surprising to find the positive EEE sample at this time of year. The positive result is confirmation that there are infected mosquitoes in the environment. Therefore, all Rhode Islanders should take extra care to protect themselves, particularly when mosquito-biting activity is high. Biting activity depends on several conditions. It generally is greatest from dusk to dawn. During the day it decreases in sunny areas at lower temperatures and increases in shady areas at higher temperatures. Biting activity also generally increases with high humidity and with low wind. 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. People should routinely use mosquito repellent and cover up when mosquito-biting activity is greatest. They should place mosquito netting over playpens and carriages outside, and be sure that screens are in good repair. Mosquito repellent should contain no more than 30 percent DEET, and it should not be used on infants. This year, to date in Rhode Island, no mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus, and one mosquito pool has tested positive for EEE. West Nile Virus and EEE have been found in mosquito samples in New England states, including neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut. Mosquitoes in Rhode Island are trapped every week statewide by DEM staff and tested at the RI Department of Health laboratory. DEM will normally report mosquito test results once a week on a routine basis, with additional reports as necessary. Routine test results from remaining pools of mosquitoes trapped during the week of August 24 will be included in this week's announcement. 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". -30- |
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