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: |
October 17, 2001 |
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Contact: |
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418; pager 482-2968
Kenneth Ayars 222-2781 ext. 4500
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2001 West Nile/EEE Status Update
Wednesday, October 17, 2001
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Mosquitoes: Test results from nine mosquito pools from 11 traps set statewide on September 24 and October 4 are negative for both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Because of low mosquito activity, trapping has ended for the season and today's update concludes the weekly reports for the season.
Birds: Three crows collected between October 5 and October 12 have tested positive for West Nile Virus. They include one each from East Greenwich, Coventry and Glocester. Results are pending on additional birds that were collected during that time; however no new birds are being collected.
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| ACTION |
None.
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| PERSONAL PROTECTION |
The mosquito population has declined significantly, biting activity is much lower, and no new mosquitoes are being produced. However, there will be some mosquito activity, particularly during periods of warmer daytime temperatures, until the first hard frost. Since mosquito-borne disease has been found throughout the region, Rhode Islanders should continue to take personal protection steps to avoid mosquito bites, such as covering up and wearing mosquito repellent when mosquitoes are active, such as when hiking in the woods in warmer weather. Personal protection is still 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. |
| YEAR TO DATE |
A total of 14 mosquito pools from nine communities tested positive or suspect positive for West Nile Virus and five mosquito pools from one community tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis this year. Two hundred and eleven birds from 31 communities also tested positive for West Nile Virus. |
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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