For Release: August 8, 1997

Contact: Alan Gettman, Ph.D. 277-6151

Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - No virus-bearing mosquitoes have been found so far this year through the RI Department of Environmental Management=s mosquito trapping and testing program, according to Alan Gettman, Ph.D., DEM's Mosquito Abatement Coordinator.

DEM staff have been collecting mosquitoes weekly from 25 traps set statewide since June 16, and sending 60 pools of trapped mosquitoes weekly to Yale University for testing. "Results from all testing to date are negative, including mosquitoes collected Monday, July 28," Gettman said. Mosquitoes collected Monday, August 4 are currently being tested, and the results will be available next week.

Responding to reports that the presence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus was detected in two pools of bird-biting mosquitoes trapped last week in Kingston, MA, near Plymouth, Gettman said, "Those isolations are from a strictly bird-biting species, and it is not uncommon to find that at this time of year. In the past four out of five years we have seen EEE in bird biting mosquitoes in low numbers here in Rhode Island. Chances are we'll pick it up a time or two in our testing, and that it will represent a normal background level. It is important that people understand that."

DEM's mosquito surveillance program last year detected the presence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in human biting mosquitoes in Westerly and in several other areas of the state. Because it is a virus potentially fatal to humans, an intensive mosquito spraying response and a public education campaign by state environmental and health officials were conducted. No human cases of EEE were reported.

"EEE is unpredictable. That's why we have a surveillance program," Gettman said. "Last year was extremely unprecedented. The fact that it happened does not lead us to expect a repeat this year."

The mosquito abatement program has information on a website: www.uri.edu/research/eee There is also a DEM webpage with rabies contacts information.

Whether or not virus-carrying mosquitoes are trapped, people should take their usual normal precautions against them all summer, Gettman said. Those precautions include ensuring screens are in good repair, reducing unnecessary outdoor activity at dawn and dusk; wearing protective clothing such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts, applying products containing the mosquito repellent DEET to clothing. Formulations that contain more than 20 percent DEET are unnecessary and may enhance skin reactions on some people. Repellants should not be used on infants, and children should be cautioned to avoid getting repellents in their eyes. Residents should also keep their back yards free of water-holding containers which create areas where mosquitoes can produce.