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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, HEALTH, SAY RHODE ISLANDERS NOW AT HIGHER RISK FOR EEE, WEST NILE VIRUS "The increasing numbers of mosquito pools, or samples, testing positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Southern New England indicates that we are now clearly at a higher than normal risk for EEE," said Alan Gettman, Ph.D, DEM's Mosquito Abatement Coordinator. "The evidence is there." Officials from HEALTH, DEM, and scientists from the University of Rhode Island met yesterday to discuss their increasing concerns about risk, particularly in light of the EEE-positive test results in neighboring states. In Massachusetts, there has been one death from EEE this year, and two other persons have contracted the often-deadly disease. Numerous mosquito pools have tested positive for EEE in that state; one pool of exclusively bird-biting mosquitoes from nearby Stonington, CT was recently found to be EEE-positive. This year to date, in Rhode Island, six mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile Virus, which is well-established throughout the state, and, indeed, the country. There has been one death in Connecticut this year from West Nile Virus. Although no mosquito pools in Rhode Island have yet tested positive for EEE this year, state officials warn, it does not mean that the virus is not in the environment here. In past years in Rhode Island, EEE has been found primarily in South County and the Tiverton/Little Compton area; however, it has also been found in more northern communities. "There is no question that we are at increased risk," says W. Michael Sullivan, DEM Director. "Now that schools are back in session and fall sports practices and games are taking place, often at dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, it is clearly time for municipal leaders to consider 'smart scheduling' of events, so that residents, particularly children and the elderly, are at less risk of being bitten. "DEM has been providing larvicide to communities for a number of years now, and municipalities have been pro-active in making sure it is applied in catch basins throughout their communities," Sullivan added. "Most residents, themselves, are conscientious about the personal steps they can take to protect themselves and their neighbors. But more can be done. I will be asking local officials to pass ordinances making it easier for them to cite property owners for allowing conditions that create mosquito nuisance, and state officials will draft a model ordinance for municipal use." Meanwhile, 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. 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 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. -30- |
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