PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management has announced that test results on 59 pools of mosquitoes collected from 28 traps set on August 7 are all negative for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Results were received late today from the University of Rhode Island.

One pool of mosquitoes trapped in Westerly tested positive for Highlands J virus. Highlands J virus, while not affecting humans, is an indication that Eastern Equine Encephalitis may also be present in area birds. It was previously found in a pool of bird-biting mosquitoes trapped on July 24 in Westerly and in a sparrow collected in Westerly on August 8. In accordance with its EEE action plan, DEM is not recommending ground spraying as a result of these isolations of Highlands J.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a very rare but serious and sometimes fatal viral disease contracted through the bite of an infected mosquito. In most years, the virus is limited to native bird populations and bird-biting mosquitoes, but rarely the virus can be transmitted to humans and domestic animals.

The finding is a reminder that all Rhode Islanders should continue to take personal protection steps to avoid mosquito bites, and to prevent mosquito breeding grounds around their homes. Personal protection is the first line of defense against mosquitoes that can carry diseases such as EEE and West Nile Virus and is by far the most effective way of avoiding infection.

Results are pending for 60 pools from 29 traps set on August 15, and should be available in about one week.

For questions about mosquitoes and personal protection, please call the Department of Health's Family Health information line weekdays at 1-800-942-7434 or call DEM's Mosquito Information Line weekdays at 789-8575. Information is also available on the HEALTH website at www.health.state.ri.us and on the DEM website at www.dem.state.ri.us/mosqchz.htm.