More infected bugs found in Westerly and South Kingstown
The mosquito samples testing positive for EEE virus were collected in South Kingstown and Westerly. The mosquito samples testing positive for WNV were collected in Westerly and Central Falls. These results are from 141 samples collected from 28 traps set statewide by DEM on August 1 and 5.
All other samples tested negative for
EEE virus, WNV, or Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV). The high amount of EEE
virus activity in Washington County indicates a significant risk in the area
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.
This
season, Rhode Island previously
announced 15 EEE virus findings and three WNV findings, the State of Connecticut has
announced 24 EEE virus findings and 172 WNV findings, and the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts has announced 205 WNV findings, 40 EEE
findings, one animal case of EEE virus,
and two human cases of WNV. It is notable that WNV has been detected
in several Massachusetts towns bordering Rhode Island.
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.
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.
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.
Local
communities voluntarily participate in 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.
- Consider
rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early
morning at sunrise and sundown (when mosquitoes carrying the EEE virus are
most active). If you must be outside, wear long-sleeved shirts and 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 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, consult your veterinarian.
Visit health.ri.gov/mosquito for additional
mosquito prevention tips, videos, and local data. DEM traps mosquitoes weekly
and tests them at the RIDOH State Health Laboratories. From June through
September, DEM issues advisories on test results, 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.
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