Still no infected mosquitoes found in RI, but Stonington has EEE
EDITOR'S NOTE: Mosquitoes carrying Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) were found in nearby Stonington, CT. This is the time of year where we begin seeing a rise in findings of EEE as well as West Nile Virus in our area. These are very dangerous diseases so you should take the precautions outlined to the left (←). - Will Collette
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced that 170 mosquito samples from 38 traps set on Monday, July 27 and Wednesday, July 29 have tested negative for both West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
To date, in Rhode Island, there have been no findings of EEE or
WNV in mosquito samples. In Massachusetts, there has been one human case of
EEE, and 46 findings of EEE and 37 findings of WNV in mosquito samples this
year.
The Commonweath began aerial spraying portions of Plymouth and Bristol Counties last night. In Connecticut, there has been one positive finding of EEE and 30 findings of WNV in mosquito samples.
The Commonweath began aerial spraying portions of Plymouth and Bristol Counties last night. In Connecticut, there has been one positive finding of EEE and 30 findings of WNV in mosquito samples.
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. With WNV and EEE established throughout the state, DEM
and RIDOH remind the public to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and prevent
being bitten, whenever possible. The following precautions are advised.
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 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 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.
Visit http://www.health.ri.gov/mosquito for additional mosquito
prevention tips, videos, and local data.
Mosquitoes are trapped weekly by DEM and tested at the RIDOH
State Health Laboratories. DEM issues advisories on test results from July
through September, with additional reports as necessary.
Test results are pending for traps set on August 3 and August 5 and will be included in future announcements. Typically, positive test results trigger additional trapping to assess risk.
Test results are pending for traps set on August 3 and August 5 and will be included in future announcements. Typically, positive test results trigger additional trapping to assess risk.
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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