DEM: OCTOBER 13 WEST NILE/EEE STATUS UPDATE

RIDEM graphical banner, showing land and water scene

Home > News > News Item

DEM's WNV/EEE Page

Mosquito Response Protocol

DOH's WNV Page

DOH's EEE Page

News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462

For Release:	October 13, 2004
Contact:	Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402 Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

DEM: OCTOBER 13 WEST NILE/EEE STATUS UPDATE
South Kingstown Mosquito Sample Tests Positive for EEE; Although Biting Activity is Down, Infected Mosquitoes Still in the Environment

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that although mosquito numbers and biting activity are down, there are still infected mosquitoes in the environment. In fact, a mosquito pool, or sample, from South Kingstown has just tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). It is the third EEE-positive mosquito pool found in South Kingstown this season. In response to the positive test result, DEM will continue additional surveillance in the area, set extra mosquito traps, and confer with local officials.

Test results from 97 mosquito pools from a total of 43 traps set statewide on September 23 and September 28 are all negative for both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The 14 pending test results from last week's report (September 22 trap date) also have been confirmed negative.

The latest EEE-positive finding came from a pool of Culex territans mosquitoes, which bite birds but not humans. The mosquitoes were trapped on October 4 by DEM staff at East Farm on the University of Rhode Island campus. It is the second EEE-positive mosquito pool from the URI area this year; the first was collected from a trap on August 23. URI officials at that time sent notices to students and cautioned them to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Alan Gettman, Ph.D., DEM's Mosquito Abatement Coordinator says, "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.

"Rhode Islanders should continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites, by covering up and wearing mosquito repellent when mosquitoes are active," Gettman adds. "One prime example would be when people are hiking in the woods in warmer weather."

Biting activity depends on several conditions. It is generally greatest at dusk and dawn. During the day it decreases in sunny areas at lower temperatures and increases in shady areas at higher temperatures. Biting activity also generally increases with high humidity and with low wind.

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. People should continue to routinely use mosquito repellent and cover up when mosquito-biting activity is greatest. They should place mosquito netting over playpens and carriages outside, and be sure that screens are in good repair. Mosquito repellent should contain no more than 30 percent DEET, and it should not be used on infants.

This year, to date in Rhode Island, one horse has contracted EEE. EEE has been found in three mosquito pools in South Kingstown, two mosquito pools in North Kingstown, one in East Greenwich, and one in Charlestown. Three birds, all bluejays, have tested positive for EEE, and five birds have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

Mosquitoes are trapped every week statewide by DEM staff and tested at the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) laboratory. DEM will normally report mosquito test results once a week on a routine basis, with additional reports as necessary. Test results from last week's trapping and any routine pending results will be reported by DEM next Wednesday.

For online information about mosquito-borne diseases, go to DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, and click on "Public Health" under "Topics", or go to the HEALTH website, www.health.ri.gov, and click on "W" under "Health Topics".

-30-

For General Information 222-6800 • After Hours Emergencies 222-3070 • Disclaimer