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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: SEPTEMBER 27 WEST NILE/EEE STATUS UPDATE
Season's First West Nile Virus Positive Bird Found in Portsmouth In addition, one pool of mosquitoes trapped in South Kingstown on September 19 has tested positive for Highlands J virus. Highlands J virus, while not affecting humans, is an indicator that environmental conditions are appropriate for the transmission of other mosquito-borne viruses, such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis. The finding is a reminder that all Rhode Islanders should continue to take personal protection steps to avoid mosquito bites, and to prevent mosquito breeding grounds around their homes. Personal protection is the first line of defense against mosquitoes that can carry diseases such as EEE and West Nile Virus and is by far the most effective way of avoiding infection. Results are pending for 63 pools from 29 traps set on September 19, and should be available in about one week. Alan Gettman, Ph.D., DEM's mosquito abatement coordinator, reminds Rhode Islanders that although biting activity this week has decreased due to cooler weather, there are still infected mosquitoes in the environment. DEM and HEALTH caution that all Rhode Islanders should take extra care to protect themselves, particularly when mosquito-biting activity is high. Biting activity will increase on warm days. Biting activity depends on several conditions. It is generally greatest at dawn and dusk. 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. There have been two deaths in Massachusetts and two 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. 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 in Rhode Island have tested positive for West Nile Virus or EEE, but one bird has tested positive for West Nile Virus. 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. DEM encourages the public to call the bird hotline at 788-3698 to report dead crows, bluejays, robins, hawks, and owls that show no signs of physical injury and have been dead less than 48 hours. 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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