For Release: September 10, 1999

Contact: Gail Mastrati, 222-4700 ext. 2402

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management has announced that all of the mosquitoes tested in Rhode Island this year have been negative for the virus that causes Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

DEM began its weekly mosquito trapping and testing program on June 1. Traps are set at 22 sites statewide, with a greater number in the South County and East Bay areas of the state. As of August 30, 14,819 mosquitoes were tested, and all were negative for EEE.

DEM has been in contact with officials in New York, where multiple human cases of St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE) have occurred in Queens during the past week. Like EEE, SLE is also a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Although the mosquito species that can transmit SLE occurs in Rhode Island, the SLE virus has never been found in Rhode Island mosquitoes, nor have any human cases occurred in the state. The outbreak in Queens is too distant to pose a health threat to Rhode Islanders.

While there is no indication of EEE in Rhode Island, it can typically occur at this time of year. Therefore, it is important to be cautious throughout the mosquito season to minimize exposure to mosquitoes. Steps Rhode Islanders can take to reduce mosquito bites include:

• Limit outdoor activity at dawn and at dusk, when most biting occurs.
• Wear protective clothing.
• Use mosquito repellent containing no more than 30 percent DEET. (However, never use repellents on infants, and avoid getting repellents in children's eyes.)
• Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. Due to the recent rains, containers such as tires, buckets and other debris that hold water should be emptied. Keep roof gutters clean and free of anything that keeps them from draining. Repair window and door screens.

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