Rabid
skunks, infected mosquitoes and pollen. At least today’s ozone levels are down
By
Will Collette
The
Rhode Island Health
Department and DEM report the first positive findings of the season of
mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus. The sample was taken in central North
Kingstown.
Mosquitoes
infected with West Nile were also found in Groton, CT according to a report
today from the Ledge Light Health District.
Yesterday,
DEM and the Health Department reported that a South
Kingstown person had been attacked by a rabid skunk. The encounter occurred
near Roy Carpenter’s Beach.
The
forecasted pollen count for Charlestown for today through Monday will be in the
medium-high range, according
to Pollen.com, peaking on Sunday.
One
bit of good news is that DEM is forecasting
“good” air through the weekend, without the problems we had last week with high
ground-level ozone.
Here
is the DEM advisory on the finding of infected mosquitoes in North Kingstown:
"As we continue to encourage people to enjoy our world-class parks and beaches, it is important to remember to take precautions against mosquito bites," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "Mosquito-borne diseases are more prevalent in late summer and early fall, and risk typically lasts until the first frost."
"Although these findings are expected for this time of year and there have been no reported human cases of WNV or EEE in Rhode Island this season, it is important that all Rhode Islanders protect themselves from mosquito bites," said Director of Health, Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH. "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 to prevent infection."
Samples are tested weekly at the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories. West Nile Virus is increasingly being detected in mosquito samples trapped in neighboring states. There are still no reports of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Rhode Island, Massachusetts or Connecticut this season.
Throughout the mosquito season, residents are encouraged to protect themselves and their families by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and avoiding mosquito bites. Rhode Islanders should:
- Dress
for protection. Wear long
pants, long-sleeve shirts and socks during outdoor evening activities.
- Use
bug spray. Use
mosquito and tick repellent with no more than 30 percent DEET during
outdoor activities, particularly at dusk and during evening hours, when
mosquitoes are most active. Do not use repellent on infants.
- Time
activities for maximum protection. If possible, minimize
outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
- Evaluate
the environment. Be sure all
open windows are screened, repair any holes in screens, and fix loose
screens. Remove any standing water around yards and houses by emptying
planters, wading pools, trash and recycling bins, and other places where
water might accumulate to reduce mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes breed in
standing water. Just one cup of standing water can produce hundreds of
mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes
are trapped every week statewide by DEM staff and tested at the Rhode Island
State Health Laboratories, and DEM will continue to release those results.
Visit HEALTH's website for additional prevention tips and for Rhode Island-specific data.
Visit HEALTH's website for additional prevention tips and for Rhode Island-specific data.