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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 PROVIDENCE POOL OF MOSQUITOES PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that test results from one mosquito pool, or sample, from a trap set in the Capitol Hill area of Providence has been confirmed positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). It is the third time this year that EEE has been positively identified in Rhode Island. The positive EEE result was from a Culex species that bites both birds and humans. Last Friday, DEM reported that Highlands J virus, a bird disease that does not affect humans, was found at the same trap site in Providence.The positive finding came from mosquitoes trapped by DEM staff on September 28 and tested at the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) laboratory. The results were confirmed this afternoon. In addition to the positive EEE sample, one mosquito pool from Chapman Swamp in Westerly has tested positive for the Highlands J virus. According to Alan Gettman, Ph.D., DEM's mosquito abatement coordinator, 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. Rhode Islanders should continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites, by covering up and wearing mosquito repellent when mosquitoes are active. 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. This year, to date in Rhode Island, three mosquito pools have tested positive for EEE, and three mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile Virus. EEE has been found in mosquito samples in New England states, including neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut. To date, more than 72 isolations of EEE have been found in over 20 communities in 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. Routine test results from remaining pools of mosquitoes trapped during the week of September 28 will be included in this week's announcement. 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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