But DEM found some of the mosquito species that carry Zika
The Rhode
Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced 172
mosquito samples from 32 traps set on Monday, August 15, 2016 have tested
negative for both West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Given
concerns about the Zika virus, Rhode Island – like many states in the region –
has increased surveillance for the Aedes albopictus mosquito species, which can
transmit the virus. Six Aedes albopictus mosquitoes have been trapped in
Barrington between August 15 and 22.
These six
mosquitoes represent a tiny fraction of the overall 14,099 mosquitoes trapped
in Rhode Island since June 1, 2016.
Due to this
increased surveillance, additional trappings of individual Aedes albopictus are
possible; however because Rhode Island winters have thus far been cold enough
to kill most eggs of this species, mosquito experts don't expect the species'
population to grow large enough to effectively spread the disease locally.
All confirmed human cases of Zika in Rhode Island have been associated with
travel out of state to areas with active Zika virus transmission. For more
information on Zika and related travel safety tips, visit
www.health.ri.gov/zika.
The Rhode
Island Department of Health advises that personal protection is the first line
of defense against mosquitoes that may carry WNV, EEE, or other diseases – and
the most effective way to avoid infection. Throughout the summer season, the
public is encouraged to:
• Eliminate
mosquito breeding grounds from yards by removing anything that holds standing
water, such as old tires, buckets, junk and debris. Just one cup of standing
water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes. Car and truck tires are especially of
concern, as mosquito larvae are often found in tire piles. Be sure to
continually empty any water accumulating in tires around your property.
• Clean
gutters so they drain correctly.
• Make sure
swimming pools are treated with chlorine, pumps are running properly, and any
water that collects on pool covers is removed.
• 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. Use mosquito repellent with at least 20 percent DEET but no more
than 30 percent. Do not use repellent on infants.
To date,
there has been one confirmed local finding of WNV in a mosquito sample and one
confirmed finding of EEE in a mosquito sample in Rhode Island. WNV has also
been detected in mosquito samples trapped in Massachusetts and Connecticut. EEE
has also been confirmed in mosquito samples trapped in Massachusetts.
Mosquitoes
are trapped weekly by DEM and tested at the State Health Laboratories at the
Rhode Island Department of Health. DEM issues weekly advisories on test results
from late June through September, with additional reports as necessary.
Test results
are pending for the 33 traps set on August 22 and 24 and will be included in
next week's announcement. Typically positive mosquito test results will trigger
additional trapping to assess risk. As temperatures cool, mosquito populations
will die out and testing will be suspended.
Visit
www.health.ri.gov for additional mosquito prevention tips and for local data.
For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov.
Follow us on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) and/or Facebook at
www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for timely updates.
