Rhode Island health officials are urging residents to take protective measures against mosquito-borne diseases after announcing new human cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV).
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and Department of Environmental Management (DEM) reported the state’s first human case of EEE in 2024, involving a Providence County resident in their 70s. This marks the first EEE case in Rhode Island since 2019 and only the 11th case since 1983.
Additionally, officials confirmed a second probable human case of WNV in 2024, affecting a Newport County resident in their 60s. The state’s first probable WNV case of the year, announced on Aug. 16, has now been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“We are seeing more human cases of mosquito-borne disease in Rhode Island and in bordering communities in Massachusetts and Connecticut,” said Director of Health Jerome Larkin, MD. “This underscores how important it is that all Rhode Islanders need to continue protecting themselves from getting mosquito bites.”
Larkin advises residents to avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours at sunrise and sunset. If outdoor activities are necessary, he recommends wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and using EPA-approved bug spray containing DEET or other effective repellents.
Health officials are emphasizing the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding grounds around homes and properties. Residents are urged to remove standing water from items such as unused pools, planters, and trash bins, as even a small amount of water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes.
The RIDOH and DEM recommend several preventive measures:
Installing and repairing screens on windows and doors.
Using mosquito netting over playpens and baby carriages.
Cleaning gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
Changing water in birdbaths at least twice a week.
For infants under two months, DEET-based repellents should be avoided. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using products with no more than 30% DEET for children.
Last month, DEM conducted aerial larvicide applications across 3,000 acres in Chapman Swamp in Westerly and Great Swamp in South Kingstown to reduce mosquito populations and disease risk.
The Mosquito Borne Disease Advisory Group (MDAG) continues to evaluate statewide risk levels and will provide updates on any further mosquito control measures.
Horse owners are advised to vaccinate their animals early in the season and take precautions such as removing standing water and avoiding outdoor exposure during peak mosquito hours.
While EEE is rare in humans, it carries a high mortality rate of approximately 30%, with many survivors experiencing ongoing neurological problems. WNV, more prevalent in Rhode Island, typically causes milder symptoms in most infected individuals.
About one in five people infected with WNV develop fever and other symptoms, while about one in 150 develop serious, potentially fatal illnesses.
The RIDOH and DEM conduct weekly mosquito trapping and testing from June through the first hard frost, usually occurring in mid-October. Positive test results trigger additional trapping to assess risk.
For more information on EEE and WNV prevention, residents can visit www.health.ri.gov/eee and www.health.ri.gov/wnv respectively. Additional mosquito prevention tips, videos, and local data are available at health.ri.gov/mosquito.
As mosquito season continues, Rhode Island officials stress the importance of community-wide efforts to reduce mosquito populations and protect against these potentially serious diseases. By following recommended guidelines and staying informed, residents can significantly lower their risk of exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses.
