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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM ANNOUNCES EEE FOUND IN LINCOLN WOODS STATE PARK The Lincoln EEE isolation was found in a horse, consequently found to be unvaccinated, that became ill on August 19 and was euthanized on August 22. Confirmatory tests were received by DEM this afternoon from the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. The horse was probably infected during the week previous to its death. It was housed at a public riding stable in Lincoln Woods State Park; however, the possibility of infected mosquitoes extends throughout the area. Alan Gettman, Ph.D., DEM's mosquito abatement coordinator, said that the positive finding is not extremely unusual. "However," Gettman added, "the EEE-positive test result should send a strong reminder to all Rhode Islanders that it is important to routinely protect themselves against mosquito bites now and throughout the mosquito season." 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. Workers at the public riding stable are practicing mosquito management techniques, such as controlling standing water and improving barn ventilation, and have a variety of mosquito repellents available for the public to use. DEM is posting informational flyers in Lincoln Woods State Park notifying park users of the EEE-positive finding in the park, and is recommending that hikers and others who utilize the area take extra care to protect themselves, particularly when mosquito biting activity is high. Biting activity depends on several conditions. It generally is greatest from dusk to 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. The flyers recommend that park users avoid mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, particularly at dawn and dusk, and use mosquito repellent, but with no more than 30 percent DEET. Put mosquito netting over baby carriages; do not use repellent on infants. DEM has set mosquito traps in the affected area, but has collected few mosquitoes, Gettman said. Tests on those mosquitoes are pending. This year, to date, no mosquitoes trapped in Rhode Island have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis or West Nile Virus. Mosquitoes are trapped every week statewide by DEM staff and tested at the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) laboratory. Routine test results are reported by DEM once a week, with additional reports as necessary. EEE, a cyclical virus, while not nearly as common as West Nile Virus, has a higher human fatality rate. In Rhode Island, according to HEALTH, there have been six deaths in the past 22 years, the last in1998. Last year, two Massachusetts residents died of the EEE virus. Two New Hampshire residents have contracted the disease this year and two other human cases are suspected in that state; all four people are expected to recover. Today it was reported that a Massachusetts resident has also contracted the disease and is seriously ill. Because horses are susceptible to EEE and West Nile Virus, Rhode Island horse owners should vaccinate their horses early in the season and take measures to control and prevent mosquito exposure. Dr. Christopher Hannafin, DEM's state veterinarian, recommends that all horse owners: remove or cover all areas where standing water can collect; apply mosquito larvicide in appropriate locations; and avoid turning animals outside at dawn, dusk and during the night when mosquitoes are most active. Horse owners should insect-proof facilities where possible; use approved repellents frequently; monitor animals for symptoms of fever, incoordination, stumbling and neurological signs; and report all suspicious cases to a veterinarian immediately. For online information about mosquito-borne diseases, go to DEM's website, www.state.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- |
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