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News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: October 20, 2004
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

DEM: OCTOBER 20 WEST NILE/EEE STATUS UPDATE
Mosquito Numbers and Biting Activity Down, but Infected Mosquitoes Still in the Environment

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that test results from 115 mosquito pools from a total of 40 traps set statewide September 30 and October 4 are all negative for both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). An additional mosquito pool from a trap in South Kingstown set on October 4 was previously reported as positive for EEE.

DEM's Mosquito Abatement Coordinator Alan Gettman, Ph.D., says that although mosquito numbers and biting activity are down, and no new mosquitoes are being produced, there are still infected mosquitoes in the environment. "There will be some mosquito activity, particularly during periods of warmer daytime temperatures, until the first hard frost," Gettman says.

"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 through the mosquito season by DEM staff and tested at the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) laboratory. DEM normally reports 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".

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