DEM,
RIDOH Report First Findings of EEE In Mosquito Samples
Public Reminded to Guard
against Mosquito Bites
The
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Rhode Island
Department of Health (RIDOH) announced that mosquito samples collected in
Tiverton, Pawtucket and Westerly on June 26 have tested positive for Eastern
Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE).
These
are the first findings of EEE in Rhode Island this year. All the positive
mosquito pools are species that bite birds and mammals (including humans).
There
are no confirmed human cases of EEE in Rhode Island.
However,
because summer and fall are peak seasons for mosquito-borne disease
transmission to people, Rhode Islanders should be aware of the symptoms of EEE.
Severe
cases of EEE (involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain) begin with
the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting.
In
addition to EEE, Rhode Island tests mosquitos for West Nile Virus (WNV). To
date, there have been no confirmed local findings of WNV in a mosquito sample.
There are no confirmed human cases of WNV in Rhode Island.
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. Do not use bug spray on infants under 1 year of age.
•
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
in late May 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.
•
Horses are the most susceptible domestic animal, but other, less common species
such as ratites (emus, ostriches, etc.) and camelids (alpacas and llamas) are
occasionally infected.
Owners
of ratites and camelids should consult with their veterinarian regarding
vaccination of their particular animals.
Mosquitoes
are trapped weekly by DEM and tested at the RIDOH State Health Laboratories.
The
RIDOH State Health Laboratories have recently changed their testing methodology
to use a more sensitive testing method which may account for an increase in
positive results going forward.
DEM
issues advisories on test results from late June through September, with
additional reports as necessary.
Test
results are pending for the remaining traps set on June 26 and additional traps
set on July 5 and July 10, and will be included in future announcements.
Typically
positive test results trigger additional trapping to assess risk; today's
findings will result in additional trapping in the Tiverton, Pawtucket and
Westerly areas where the positive mosquito samples were found.
Visit
health.ri.gov/mosquito 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.
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