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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 REPORTS POSITIVE WEST NILE VIRUS MOSQUITOES TRAPPED IN EAST PROVIDENCE PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that test results from a mosquito pool, or sample, from a trap set in the southern part of East Providence near the Seekonk border has been confirmed positive for West Nile Virus. The positive West Nile result was from a Culex species of mosquitoes that bites both birds and humans.The 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 late yesterday. In addition to the positive West Nile Virus sample, three mosquito pools have tested positive for the Highlands J virus, a bird disease that does not affect humans. These samples came from mosquitoes trapped on September 21 in the southern part of East Providence, the Capitol Hill area of Providence, and on Block Island. Alan Gettman, PhD, DEM's mosquito abatement coordinator cautions Rhode Island residents that virus transmission by mosquitoes is still taking place and that they shouldn't let down their guard. "These positive findings are clear evidence that mosquito-borne virus is circulating in the environment, and with this the public should continue to take precautions to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. The season isn't over - we haven't had the first frost, and with the seasonal temperatures we've been enjoying, frost hasn't even been predicted yet." 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. Both Connecticut and Massachusetts are continuing to isolate positive findings of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE.) Massachusetts reported the first horse death from EEE last Friday. Also on Friday, DEM's Division of Agriculture reported Rhode Island's first horse death this year from EEE. The two year-old horse from Tiverton had not been properly vaccinated against EEE. According to DEM's state veterinarian, Scott Marshall, DVM, the most common signs of viral encephalitis in horses are depression, stumbling, in-coordination, hind limb weakness, partial paralysis and muscle twitching. Fever can occur but is not present in all cases. These symptoms can occur in many equine diseases and should be reported to a veterinarian as soon as they are noticed so that a quick and accurate diagnosis can be made. Late summer and early fall are considered high-risk seasons for the transmission of both EEE and West Nile Virus to horses by infected mosquitoes. Dr. Marshall has issued several recommendations to horse owners to help protect their animals from getting bitten by mosquitoes. He advises horse owners to use repellents on their animals; consider stabling their horses indoors at dawn and dusk, which are considered heavy mosquito feeding times; remove free standing water from stable areas; and consult with their veterinarian to determine whether their horses are properly immunized, as vaccination is safe and effective in the prevention of EEE in horses. A vaccination for horses is also available for West Nile Virus. Horse owners who would like more information should contact their veterinarian, or may call the state veterinarian, Scott Marshall, DVM, at DEM's Division of Agriculture at 222-2781 ext. 4503. 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. This year, to date in Rhode Island, three mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile Virus, and two mosquito pools have tested positive for EEE. 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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