For Release: September 24, 1999

Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

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

DEM is also testing for the St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE) virus, which has affected parts of New York City and Westchester County, New York, and Greenwich, Connecticut. The Department has found no indication of that virus in Rhode Island. Like EEE, SLE is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes that bite infected birds.

DEM's Mosquito Abatement Coordinator, Alan Gettman, Ph.D., remains in close contact with officials in New York and Connecticut. The outbreak in New York and Greenwich, Connecticut is too distant to pose a health threat to Rhode Island. Although the mosquito species that can transmit SLE occurs in Rhode Island, the virus has never been found in Rhode Island mosquitoes, nor have any human cases occurred in the state. However, because the outbreaks in New York occurred in heavily populated areas, DEM is shifting some traps to more urban areas of Rhode Island.

DEM began its weekly mosquito trapping and testing program on June 1. Over 15,000 mosquitoes have been tested to date, from traps set at sites statewide, with a greater number in the South County and East Bay areas. The most recent negative results come from 617 mosquitoes trapped September 13 and separated into 61 groups, or pools, for testing - the same time frame as the one positive result found in western Connecticut. Results from 60 pools totaling 1,005 mosquitoes trapped September 20 should be available late next week.

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

• Limit outdoor activity at dawn and 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 repellants in children's eyes.
• Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, such as old tires, buckets, and other debris that holds water. Keep roof gutters clean and free of anything that keeps them from draining.
• Repair window and door screens.