First
Group Tested This Season Is Negative For West Nile And EEE
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM)
today announced the first batch of mosquitoes trapped and tested this season
for West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are negative.
Beginning in June each year and as part of disease monitoring
efforts in the state, DEM regularly traps mosquitoes for testing by the Rhode
Island Department of Health (RIDOH). Test results are issued weekly – with
special advisories as needed.
The first trapping, conducted on June 5, included 20 traps and
41 mosquito pools. Test results are pending for the 121 pools trapped on June
12.
With WNV and EEE established throughout the state, the public is
reminded to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and avoid bites, where
possible. The following precautions are advised:
• Remove anything around your house and yard that collects water; just one cup of water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes.
• Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage, and
repair holes in window screens.
• Remove any water from unused swimming pools, wading pools,
boats, planters, trash and recycling bins, tires, and anything else that
collects water, and cover them.
• Change the water in birdbaths at least two times a week, and
rinse out birdbaths once a week.
• Use EPA-approved bug spray with one of the following active
ingredients: DEET (20-30% strength), picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon
eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol.
• Minimize outdoor activity at dawn and at dusk when mosquitoes
are most active. • Put insect netting over strollers and playpens.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants whenever possible, particularly
if you are outdoors during dawn and dusk.
Controlling mosquito populations and promoting personal
protection against bites are central to Rhode Island's action plan for WNV and
EEE.
In partnership with RIDOH, DEM distributed mosquito larvicide to
local communities earlier this month to treat area catch basins.
Catch basins are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes in both
urban and suburban settings.
Horses are particularly susceptible to WNV and EEE. Horse owners
are advised to vaccinate their animals early in the season and practice the
following:
• Remove or cover areas where standing water can collect.
• Avoid putting animals outside at dawn, dusk or during the
night when mosquitoes are most active.
• Insect proof facilities where possible and use approved
repellants frequently.
• Monitor animals for symptoms of fever and/or neurological
signs (such as stumbling, depression, loss of appetite) and report all
suspicious cases to a veterinarian immediately.
If you are unsure if your horse is properly vaccinated you
should consult with your veterinarian.
Last year, WNV was detected in a mosquito sample from a trap in
Pawtucket, and EEE was confirmed in two mosquito samples from traps in Chapman
Swamp in Westerly. There were two confirmed human cases of WNV in Rhode Island.
For more information about disease monitoring efforts in Rhode Island, visit
www.health.ri.gov.
Rhode Islanders are also reminded to take precautions to avoid
mosquito bites when traveling to Zika-affected countries. Pregnant women and
women who are considering becoming pregnant should not travel to countries with
active transmission of Zika.
For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit
www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on
Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.
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