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DEM's WNV/EEE Page

Mosquito Response Protocol

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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: September 20, 2005
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

DEM: SEPTEMBER 20 WEST NILE/EEE STATUS UPDATE
Biting Activity, Disease Risk, Still Up

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that test results from all 56 mosquito pools from a total of 27 traps set statewide during the week of September 6 are negative for both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

However, Alan Gettman, Ph.D., DEM's mosquito abatement coordinator, notes that Rhode Island is now in the peak season for mosquito-borne disease transmission, and biting activity remains high.

"The increasing incidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Massachusetts and New Hampshire," Gettman says, "indicates that we are now at a higher than normal risk for EEE." There have been two deaths in Massachusetts and one in New Hampshire this year from EEE, and several other residents of those states have contracted the disease. In addition, there have been three human cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts, two in Connecticut, and one in Rhode Island; all six individuals are expected to recover.

Because of the heightened health risk, all Rhode Islanders should 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.

People should routinely use mosquito repellent and cover up when mosquito biting activity is greatest, particularly from dusk to dawn. 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, in Rhode Island, one Providence resident, currently recovering, has tested positive for West Nile Virus, and one horse - stabled in Lincoln Woods State Park and euthanized in August - has tested positive for EEE. No mosquitoes or birds in Rhode Island have tested positive for West Nile Virus or EEE. However, West Nile Virus is well established throughout the state and, indeed, throughout the country, and EEE is present in the environment. 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.

Mosquitoes are trapped every week statewide by DEM staff and tested at the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) laboratory. Test results from last week's trapping will be reported by DEM on or by Wednesday of next week. 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".

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