Friday, August 9, 2024

Be careful out there today

Multiple threats from mosquitos, rip currents and high surf, and a nasty bacteria

By Will Collette


As we go into the weekend, there are lots of cautions you should be mindful of.

Mosquito-borne diseases

DEM issued its most severe findings of disease-carrying skeets for the summer so far and their findings bracket Charlestown. Thirteen (13) hits for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) were found in South Kingstown and two findings of West Nile Virus were found in Westerly. That’s a pretty clear sign that our area hosts some pretty nasty mosquitos

You should take appropriate steps – DEM’s announcement and warning appears in full, below.

Dangerous beaches

The National Weather Service has us under alert for both dangerously high surf and rip currents.

Those reports and cautions are also posted in full, below.

Very nasty infectious Vibrio bacteria at the beach

This is one I have not seen before. The RI Health Department has issued a warning that if you have an open cut or wound, you should stay out of salt water or brackish water. The warning was issued after a Rhode Islander died recently from Vibriosis.

The bacteria can enter through openings in the skin, including cuts and surgical wounds. It is especially dangerous for people suffering a number of common, serious issues ranging from cancer to acid reflux.

And again, you can read the full Health Department warning below.

All of these precautionary reports are serious and warn beachgoers and coastal residents of potentially fatal conditions. Enjoy yourself, but please be safe.

The warning reports follow below.

RI Mosquito Report: State Announces Additional Findings of EEE and West Nile Virus; Urges Rhode Islanders to use Personal Precautions to Reduce Risk

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) are announcing that the most recent mosquito samples tested by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) have confirmed 13 positive findings of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus and two positive findings of West Nile Virus (WNV).

The mosquito samples testing positive for EEE were collected in South Kingstown. The mosquito samples testing positive for WNV were collected in Westerly. These results are from 106 samples collected from 23 traps set statewide by DEM on July 29. All other samples tested negative for EEE virus, WNV, or Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV).

This season, Rhode Island previously announced two EEE virus findings and one WNV finding, the State of Connecticut has announced 20 EEE virus findings and 105 WNV findings, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has announced 124 WNV findings, 34 EEE findings, one animal case of EEE virus, and one human case of WNV.

Although mosquito-borne diseases become more prevalent in Southern New England as the summer progresses, the high amount of EEE virus activity in South Kingstown indicates a significant risk in Washington County and an elevated risk level in Rhode Island. DEM and RIDOH are urging Rhode Islanders to continue protecting themselves and their loved ones from mosquito bites.

Although extremely rare in humans, EEE virus is very serious and has a much higher human mortality rate than WNV. Approximately 30% of people with EEE virus die and many survivors have ongoing neurological problems. Unlike WNV, which is prevalent in Rhode Island every year, EEE virus risk is variable, changing from year to year. With continued trapping and testing, DEM and RIDOH will be able to assess the EEE virus risk level this mosquito season. For more information on EEE virus and ways to prevent it, please visit www.health.ri.gov/eee.

WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States and is much more prevalent than EEE virus. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. For more information about WNV, please visit www.health.ri.gov/wnv.

EEE virus and WNV are typically present in wild bird populations. Birds are reservoirs of the diseases and mosquitoes transmit these viruses among birds. During an active mosquito season, the viruses are amplified in the environment with each generation of mosquitoes. At a certain point, several mosquito species that bite both birds and mammals serve as a bridge between infected birds and uninfected mammals. Most bridge species are within the Aedes, Coquillettidia, and Culex genera.

The testing of mosquito samples for JCV is new for Rhode Island due to a new Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing method, but the virus is not new to the regionJCV is a mosquito-borne pathogen that circulates widely in North America, primarily between deer and mosquitoes, but can also infect humans. Human cases can occur from late spring through mid-fall and is most common early and late in the mosquito season with cooler weather.

Four human JCV cases have been reported in Rhode Island residents since 2013. People can be infected and not develop any symptoms, or only develop very mild symptoms. Early symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue. Rarely, more serious central nervous system disease, including meningitis or encephalitis, can occur. There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat JCV.

Local communities voluntarily participate with mosquito control through DEM’s larvicide distribution program, which provides municipalities with a limited free supply of mosquito larvicide briquettes that release environmentally-benign bacteria over a 90-day period in underground stormwater catchment basins that are prime breeding areas of mosquitoes, requiring only one application per season. In April, the Town of Westerly conducted an aerial application of mosquito larvicide across 500 acres of Chapman Swamp and nearby swamplands by helicopter recommended as part of the state's action plan to reduce mosquito populations and related disease risk.

Mosquito Control:

Residents can help control mosquitoes by removing backyard mosquito breeding grounds. The Asian Tiger Mosquito has become prevalent in Rhode Island urban environments, and it is expected to be common again this season. It is notable as a daytime biter encountered in shaded backyards. It has a striking black and white pattern evident to the naked eye. It develops from eggs laid in artificial containers, so residents are urged to remove standing water from containers such as buckets, pots, wheelbarrows, boats, and pools. Clogged rain gutters and puddles formed on tarps also can support the larvae of this species. The Asian tiger mosquito is known to transmit several diseases, including WNV.

Rhode Islanders should take the following measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to help minimize mosquito breeding:

Protect yourself!

  • Put screens on windows and doors. Fix screens that are loose or have holes.
  • At sunrise and sundown (when mosquitoes carrying EEE virus 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.
  • 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.
  • Do not use bug spray with DEET on infants under two months of age. Check the product label to find the concentration of DEET in a product. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET when used on children. 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.
  • Put mosquito netting over playpens and baby carriages.

Remove mosquito breeding grounds!

  • Remove items around your house and yard that collect water. Just one cup of water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes; an unused tire containing water can produce thousands of mosquitoes.
  • Clean your gutters and downspouts so that they can drain properly.
  • 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.
  • 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 online.
  • Clean and change water in birdbaths at least once a week.

Best practices for horse owners!

Horses are particularly susceptible to WNV and EEE virus. 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 repellents frequently.
  • Monitor animals for signs 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 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 June through September, with additional reports as necessary. Typically, positive test results trigger additional trapping to assess risk.  

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates. Sign up here to receive the latest press releases, news, and events from DEM's Public Affairs Office to your inbox.

Coastal Hazard Message

National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA

Fri Aug 9 2024

Southern Bristol MA-Southern Plymouth MA-Barnstable MA-Dukes MA-Nantucket MA-Washington RI-Newport RI-Block Island RI-

HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING......HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 PM EDT SATURDAY...

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 5 to 9 feet expected in the surf zone along with dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...Washington, Southern Bristol MA, Southern Plymouth MA, Barnstable MA, Dukes MA, Nantucket MA, and Newport RI Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, from 8 AM EDT this morning through this evening. For the High Surf Advisory, from 8 PM this evening to 8 PM EDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due todangerous surf conditions.

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

High Surf Advisory

Coastal Hazard Message

National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA Fri Aug 9 2024

Southern Bristol MA-Southern Plymouth MA-Barnstable MA-Dukes MA-Nantucket MA-Washington RI-Newport RI-Block Island RI-

HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING......HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 PM EDT SATURDAY...

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 5 to 9 feet expected in the surf zone along with dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...Washington, Southern Bristol MA, Southern Plymouth MA, Barnstable MA, Dukes MA, Nantucket MA, and Newport RI Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, from 8 AM EDT this morning through this evening. For the High Surf Advisory, from 8 PM this evening to 8 PM EDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions.

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

Rhode Islanders Reminded About Health Risks of Open Wounds and Coastal Waters

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) reminds residents to be aware of the potential dangers of Vibrio bacteria if they have an open wound and enter salt water or brackish water, which is a mixture of salt water and fresh water. Open wounds include recent cuts and scrapes, recent surgery sites, and recent piercings and tattoos.

The exposure of open wounds to salt water or brackish water can lead to dangerous infections from bacteria, such as Vibrio. Vibrio are different types of bacteria that normally live in warm seawater or brackish water. They can be found in higher concentrations in warmer months, from May to October.

RIDOH is issuing this reminder after identifying a fatal case of vibriosis (which is an infection with Vibrio) in a Rhode Island resident this month, caused by the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus. Infections with Vibrio vulnificus are very rare, and they are much more serious for people with existing, underlying health issues. In severe cases, wounds infected with Vibrio vulnificus can lead to sepsis and can be life-threatening.

"While Vibrio is rare, it is important for anyone at risk to take precautions while spending time in or around brackish water or salt water when the weather is warm," said Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD. "Stay out of the water and take precautions if you have a break in the skin or open wound, particularly if you are at higher risk for serious illness."

In addition to infections resulting from wound exposures, people can also become infected with Vibrio after consuming raw or undercooked seafood. Cases can range from mild to severe and rarely result in death. Vibriosis can cause symptoms including vomiting, watery and bloody diarrhea, fever, and headache.

Before this case, Rhode Island's last reported cases of Vibrio vulnificus occurred in 2017. Vibrio vulnificus bacteria thrive in warmer waters, and the geographic range is expanding with rising sea temperatures. As coastal water temperatures increase, Vibrio vulnificus infections are expected to become more common. Last summer, the CDC issued a press release describing an increase in severe Vibrio vulnificus cases in the Eastern United States. Cases were identified in North Carolina, New York, and Connecticut in 2023. Vibrio vulnificus can be relatively common in marine environments, including salt water and brackish water.

Anyone can get vibriosis, but individuals with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain medications are at an increased risk of infection and complications. They include:

- Having liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV or thalassemia;

- Receiving immune-suppressing therapy for the treatment of disease;

- Taking medication to decrease stomach acid levels;

- Having undergone recent stomach surgery.

RIDOH recommends the following to keep yourself safe from Vibrio:

- If you have an open wound or cut, avoid salt and brackish water. If you get a cut while you are in the water, leave the water immediately.

- If your open wounds and cuts could come in contact with salt water, brackish water, or raw or undercooked seafood, cover them completely with a waterproof bandage.

- Wash open wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and clean, running water after they come in contact with salt water, brackish water, or drippings from raw or undercooked seafood.

- If you are immunocompromised, cook raw oysters and other shellfish before eating.

- Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw shellfish.

- Seek medical attention right away for infected wounds.

If you have signs and symptoms of infection, be sure to tell your healthcare professional, if:

You have an open wound that might have come in contact with coastal water (including salt or brackish water), or raw or undercooked seafood or its drippings.

You recently ate raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters.

For more information on Vibrio, visit CDC's website. For Rhode Island enteric disease data from 2018-2022, including vibriosis, please see RIDOH's enteric disease data dashboard.

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