For Release: August 3, 1998

Contact: Alan Gettman, Ph.D. 222-6151

PROVIDENCE - According to the Department of Environmental Management, no Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus has been found in any of the mosquitoes trapped statewide since testing began June 22, including the most recent tests conducted on mosquitoes trapped July 27. Likewise, all mosquitoes trapped in Connecticut, Massachusetts, upstate New York and Long Island this season have tested negative for the EEE virus.

However, Alan Gettman, Ph.D., DEM's Mosquito Abatement Coordinator, said that the Highlands J virus, which does not affect humans, was isolated from two pools of mosquitoes trapped in Westerly on July 27. The virus, while transmitted by mosquitoes, is only a disease of birds. It has been detected in Rhode Island during 10 of the past 11 years. It was first detected this season from one pool of mosquitoes collected July 20 in Westerly.

"While the presence of the HJ virus is not surprising," Gettman said, "it is an indication that environmental conditions are appropriate for the transmission of EEE. The presence of HJ does not mean that EEE isolations will necessarily follow. But we recommend that people continue to take common sense precautions to reduce exposure to mosquitoes during the later summer months and in the fall every year.

"People should take normal precautions against mosquitoes," Gettman added, "regardless of our findings." 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; and applying products containing the mosquito repellent DEET to clothing. Formulations that contain more than 30 percent DEET are unnecessary and may enhance skin reactions on some people. Repellents 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 that create areas where mosquitoes can be produced.

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