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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: AUGUST 31 WEST NILE/EEE STATUS UPDATE PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that test results from 71 mosquito pools, or samples, from 46 traps set statewide during the week of August 20 are negative for both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Results for three pools remain pending until next week.However, a second pool, or sample taken from the southern part of East Providence adjacent to the Seekonk border that was reported positive on August 27 has tested positive for West Nile Virus. Although many mosquito species bite only birds, the Culex species that tested positive in both cases for West Nile Virus also bites mammals, including humans. West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis are both firmly established throughout the state. Therefore, throughout the mosquito season, residents are encouraged to protect themselves by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and avoiding mosquito bites. 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. Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds from yards by removing anything that holds standing water, such as old tires, buckets, junk and debris, clean gutters so that they drain correctly, and maintain swimming pools properly. Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Just one cup of standing water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes. Avoid mosquito bites by using screens on windows and doors, covering up at dawn and dusk, and putting mosquito netting over playpens and baby carriages when they are outside. Also, use mosquito repellent, but with no more than 30 percent DEET. Do not use repellent on infants. State Public Health Veterinarian Scott Marshall, DMV, suggests that horse owners consult with their veterinarians to determine whether their horses are properly vaccinated against mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquitoes are trapped every week statewide by DEM staff and tested at the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) laboratory. DEM will normally report mosquito test results once a week on a routine basis, with additional reports as necessary. Test results from mosquitoes trapped this week, will be included in next week's announcement. Positive mosquito test results will generally trigger additional trapping to assess risk. This year, to date in Rhode Island, two mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus, and no mosquitoes have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. However, both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis viruses have been detected in mosquito samples in nearby Massachusetts. For online information about mosquito-borne diseases, go to DEM's website, www.state.dem.ri.gov, and click on "Public Health Updates", or go to the HEALTH website, www.health.ri.gov, and click on "E" (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) or "W" ((West Nile Virus)) under "Health Topics". -30- |
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