DEM's WNV/EEE Page
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News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade St., Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
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For Release: |
August 30, 2001 |
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Contact: |
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418; pager 482-2968
Ken Ayars 222-4700, ext.4500
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2001 West Nile/EEE Status Update
August 30, 2001
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Mosquitoes: West Nile Virus has been confirmed positive in a pool of mosquitoes trapped on Austin Road in Smithfield on August 18. The five Culex species mosquitoes, which are principally bird-biters but can bite humans, were collected from a trap set out in response to a suspect positive West Nile Virus pool of mosquitoes collected earlier in Smithfield.
(Two pools of bird-biting mosquitoes in Westerly and one in Little Compton have tested positive for Highlands J virus. They were trapped on August 20 near the visitor center and at Chapman Swamp in Westerly and at the Commons in Little Compton. Highlands J virus, while not affecting humans, is an indication that Eastern Equine Encephalitis may also be present in area birds. 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, EEE is limited to native bird populations and bird-biting mosquitoes, but rarely the virus can be transmitted to humans and domestic animals. EEE-infected mosquitoes have been found this year in nearby Stonington and North Stonington, CT.)
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| ACTION |
DEM is setting extra traps in Smithfield in the vicinity of the latest West Nile Virus finding and continues routine weekly testing for West Nile Virus and EEE statewide.
West Nile Virus has been found in scattered locations throughout the state, and it is a statewide issue. Residents should redouble efforts to protect themselves from exposure to West Nile Virus by avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.
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| PERSONAL PROTECTION |
Personal protection is the first line of defense against mosquitoes that can carry diseases such as West Nile Virus and EEE and is by far the most effective way of avoiding infection.
Avoid mosquito bites by using screens on windows and doors, covering up at dawn and dusk, and putting mosquito netting over playpens and baby carriages when they are outside. Also, use mosquito repellent, but with no more than 30 percent DEET. Do not use repellent on infants.
Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by removing anything in yards that holds standing water, such as old tires, buckets, junk and debris, and clean gutters so that they drain properly.
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| PROTOCOL |
This year's mosquito response protocol is based on lessons learned last year and new findings issued by the Centers for Disease Control. Based on a growing recognition that infected birds appear to be poor indicators of disease risk to humans, spraying this year will be recommended only when a team of mosquito-control experts determines that the public is at substantial risk of being bitten by infected mosquitoes. |
| YEAR TO DATE |
To date, 14 mosquito pools from nine communities have tested positive or suspect positive for West Nile Virus. Eleven birds have also tested positive for West Nile Virus. |
DEM expects that birds infected with West Nile Virus will be found throughout the mosquito season. While infected birds appear to be poor indicators of disease risk to humans, their sensitivity to West Nile Virus may be useful in tracking the spread of the disease in the environment. Wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians, animal control officers and others are being asked to report suspect target species - crows, bluejays and hawks - to DEM's bird hotline at 788-3698. Target species that are sick with neurological symptoms such as staggering or tilted head, or those that have been dead less than 48 hours and have no obvious signs of injury will be considered for testing.
For information on protection measures, call DEM's recorded Mosquito Information Line at 222-2793 or HEALTH's Family Health Information Line at 1-800-942-7434, or visit www.healthri.org and/or www.dem.ri.gov on line.
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