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News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: October 13, 2009
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

DEM ANNOUNCES EEE FOUND IN SOUTH KINGSTOWN POOL OF MOSQUITOES

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that test results from one mosquito pool, or sample, from a trap set at Peckham Farm at the University of Rhode Island has been confirmed positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. The positive EEE result was from a Culiseta species that bites only birds.

The positive finding came from mosquitoes trapped by DEM staff on October 5 and tested at the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) laboratory. The results were confirmed today.

Although there are few mosquitoes left, Rhode Islanders, particularly those hiking in the woods, should be mindful that when the weather is warm and the air is still, there may be occasional biting activity until the first hard frost, which we have yet to receive. They should therefore protect themselves from mosquito bites, by covering up and by wearing mosquito repellent when remaining mosquitoes are active.

This year, to date in Rhode Island, four 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 October 5 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".

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