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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 ROGER WILLIAMS PARK The Providence EEE isolation was found in a 19 year-old male emu, which had been vaccinated for EEE and West Nile Virus, that became ill on September 22 at the park zoo. Although the emu is exhibiting neurological symptoms of EEE, thus far it has survived, which is a very rare occurrence. Positive tests were received by DEM on September 29 from the veterinary staff at the zoo. The emu was probably infected during the weekend of September 17-18. The bird has been isolated with a younger female emu, and is not considered to be infective to other animals or humans, although precautions are in place for workers handling the bird. Alan Gettman, Ph.D., DEM's mosquito abatement coordinator, said that the positive finding is not unexpected at this time of year. "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," he said. "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." Workers at the zoo are practicing mosquito management techniques, such as controlling standing water. Alix Ogden, Superintendent of Parks for the City of Providence said that the Providence Parks Department is posting informational flyers in Roger Williams Park for their patrons. "We certainly support DEM's recommendation and will support the state's continuing efforts to educate the public on appropriate precautions that should be taken when outdoors." The flyer notifies park users of the EEE-positive finding and is recommending that those 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 is working with the Parks Department to identify appropriate spots for trapping in the area. This year, to date, no mosquitoes trapped in Rhode Island have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. However, this week DEM announced that a pool of mosquitoes from Providence tested positive for West Nile Virus, and that the season's first isolation of West Nilve Virus in a bird had been found in a crow collected from Portsmouth. In addition, one pool of mosquitoes trapped in South Kingstown last week 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 EEE. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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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