One EEE-Positive Sample Trapped in Richmond
in Latest Round of Surveillance
Although the forecast of the season's first
frost advisory tonight with temperatures falling into the mid-30s is welcome
news, the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Rhode Island
Department of Health (RIDOH) are reminding Rhode Islanders that the risk of
mosquito-borne disease remains.
The agencies announced today that in the latest
round of mosquito surveillance, one pool, or sample, of mosquitoes trapped in
Richmond has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
DEM set
traps on September 24 and 26, submitting 114 samples to the RIDOH State Health
Laboratory. The lab confirmed a EEE detection in a Richmond sample of
mosquitoes that primarily bites birds while also confirming all other samples
tested negative for both EEE and West Nile Virus (WNV).
With no additional aerial spraying planned
for 2019, DEM and RIDOH are urging the public to continue protecting themselves
and their loved ones from mosquito bites until the first hard frost of autumn.
A hard frost, which is meteorologically defined as three straight hours below
32 degrees, kills adult mosquitoes. Its timing varies widely across Rhode
Island. It often occurs in northern communities such as Burrillville in early
October and in southern, ocean-facing communities later in the month.
DEM and RIDOH remind the public that the
foundation of all risk reduction from mosquito-borne disease remains personal
protection (mosquito repellent, long sleeves and pants, avoiding outdoor
activities between dusk and dawn, repairing window and door screens, and dumping
standing water).
If possible, people should limit their time outdoors at
sunrise and sunset. If they are going to be out, people should wear long
sleeves and pants and use bug spray.
EEE is a rare but serious illness that
occurs when people are bitten by infected mosquitoes. It can affect people of
all ages.
In Rhode Island in 2019, there have been three human cases of EEE
with one case resulting in death. Massachusetts has experienced 12 human cases
with three deaths this year; in Connecticut, four residents have contracted the
disease of whom three have died.
Along with the human cases, a horse (in
Westerly) and three deer (one in Coventry, one in Richmond, and one in Exeter)
have tested positive for EEE in Rhode Island in 2019. Year to date, RIDOH also
has detected EEE in eight mosquito pools (two in Central Falls, three in
Westerly, one in Block Island, one in western Coventry, and one in Richmond)
and WNV in two samples (in Tiverton and Westerly).
By continuously assessing
mosquito species, volume, and infection and sharing information, the state is
working to minimize the risk of further human disease.
"Smart scheduling" for communities
Previous mosquito prevention recommendations
from RIDOH still are in effect. In August, RIDOH recommended to schools and
municipal leaders that games, practices, and other outdoor activities scheduled
to occur during early morning or dusk hours be rescheduled to earlier in the
afternoon or relocated to an indoor venue.
The "smart scheduling" of
events is intended to help minimize the risk of mosquito bites for players,
coaches, and spectators. RIDOH recommends that smart scheduling stay in effect
for the remainder of the mosquito season, which typically ends in mid-October
(after the first hard frost).
In addition to following this smart
scheduling recommendation, there are other measures that Rhode Islanders should
take to protect themselves from mosquito bites, and to help minimize mosquito
breeding.
Protect yourself
o Put screens on windows and doors. Fix
screens that are loose or have holes.
o At sunrise and sundown (when mosquitoes
that carry EEE and WNV are most active), consider rescheduling outdoor
activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you must be outside,
wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and use bug spray.
o Use EPA-approved
bug spray with one of the following active ingredients: DEET (20-30% strength);
picaridin, IR3535; and oil of lemon eucalyptus or paramenthane. Always read the
label and follow all directions and precautions.
o If you plan to hike in the
woods in daylight, it is advisable to wear repellent to prevent being bitten by
daytime mosquitoes.
o Do not use bug spray with DEET on infants under two
months of age. Children should be careful not to rub their eyes after bug spray
has been applied on their skin. Wash children's hands with soap and water to
remove any bug spray when they return indoors.
o Put mosquito netting over
playpens and baby carriages.
Get rid of mosquito breeding grounds
o Get rid of anything around your house and
yard that collects water. Just one cup of water can produce hundreds of
mosquitoes; an unused tire containing water can produce thousands of
mosquitoes.
o Clean your gutters and downspouts so that they can drain
properly.
o 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.
o Remove or treat any shallow water that can accumulate
on top of a pool cover. Larvicide treatments, such as Mosquito Dunks can be
applied to kill immature mosquitoes. This environmentally-friendly product is
available at many hardware and garden stores and on-line.
o Change the water in
birdbaths at least two times a week and rinse out birdbaths once a week.
Best practices for horse owners
Horses are particularly susceptible to WNV
and EEE. Horse owners are advised to vaccinate their animals early in the
season and practice the following:
o Remove or cover areas where standing water
can collect.
o Avoid putting animals outside at dawn, dusk, or during the night
when mosquitoes are most active.
o Insect-proof facilities where possible and
use approved repellents frequently.
o Monitor animals for symptoms of fever
and/or neurological signs (such as stumbling, moodiness, 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.
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.
Visit http://www.health.ri.gov/mosquito for
additional mosquito prevention tips, videos, and local data.
Related links
Department or agency: Department of Environmental Management
Online: http://www.dem.ri.gov/