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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 WEST NILE VIRUS FOUND IN PAWTUCKET MOSQUITOES PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that test results from a second mosquito pool, or sample, from a trap set in the Woodlawn/Fairlawn area of Pawtucket has been confirmed positive for West Nile Virus. The positive West Nile result was from a Culex species that bites both birds and humans.The positive finding came from mosquitoes trapped by DEM staff on September 14 and tested at the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) laboratory. The results were confirmed today. As a result, DEM will be setting extra mosquito traps in Pawtucket. Test results for the remaining 54 pools of mosquitoes trapped on September 14 are expected Friday. Alan Gettman, Ph.D., DEM's mosquito abatement coordinator, recommends that 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. This year, to date in Rhode Island, two mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile Virus, and two mosquito pools have tested positive for EEE. West Nile Virus and EEE have been found in mosquito samples in New England states, including Massachusetts and Connecticut. Mosquitoes in Rhode Island are trapped every week statewide by DEM staff and tested at the RI Department of Health laboratory. DEM will normally report mosquito test results once a week on a routine basis, with additional reports as necessary. 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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