Link to DEM Home Page Link to State of RI web site RIDEM graphical banner, showing land and water scene
Navigation button, HomeNavigation button, ProgramsNavigation button, TopicsNavigation button, MapsNavigation button, PublicationsNavigation button, NewsNavigation button, EventsNavigation button, SearchNavigation button, HelpNavigation button, Contact
Home > News > News Item


DEM's WNV/EEE Page

Mosquito Response Protocol

DOH's WNV Page

DOH's EEE Page
 
News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: October 27, 2009
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

DEM: OCTOBER 27 WEST NILE/EEE FINAL STATUS UPDATE
Very Few Mosquitoes Left; Testing Ended for Season

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that test results from all 20 mosquito pools, or samples, from a total of 22 traps set statewide during the week of October 13 are negative for both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

Due to significant reductions in mosquito populations and negligible numbers of mosquitoes being collected, no traps have been set since the October 13 trap week, and no results are pending; therefore, this is the last weekly status update of the season.

Although there are few mosquitoes left, Rhode Islanders should be mindful that there may be occasional biting activity if we experience unseasonably warm evening temperatures until the first sustained statewide hard frost, which we have yet to receive. Residents should therefore protect themselves from mosquito bites, by covering up and by wearing mosquito repellent when remaining mosquitoes are active.

This year, to date in Rhode Island, four mosquito pools trapped in South Kingstown and Providence have been confirmed positive for EEE, and three mosquito pools trapped in Pawtucket and East Providence have been confirmed positive for West Nile Virus.

Mosquitoes were trapped every week statewide throughout the season by DEM staff and tested at the RI Department of Health laboratory.

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-
For General Information 222-6800 • After Hours Emergencies 222-3070 • Disclaimer