The Rhode Island mosquito season is in full swing and with it comes the potential for mosquito-borne illnesses like Eastern equine encephalitis and west Nile virus.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) today announced that the most recent mosquito samples tested by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) has confirmed one positive finding of West Nile Virus (WNV). The mosquito sample testing positive for WNV was collected in North Kingstown.
The mosquito sample testing positive for WNV was collected in North Kingstown. These results are from 125 samples collected from 30 traps set statewide by DEM on August 13 and 19. All other samples tested negative for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, WNV, or Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV).
Previously this season, Rhode Island has announced 17 EEE virus findings in mosquito samples, five WNV findings, and one probable human case of WNV.
Testing indicates a significant risk in Washington County and an elevated risk level throughout Rhode Island. “The State of Connecticut has announced 33 EEE virus findings, 242 WNV findings, one JCV finding, one human case of WNV, and an animal case of EEE virus in a deer, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has announced 270 WNV findings, 76 EEE findings, two human cases of EEE virus, two animal cases of EEE virus, and four human cases of WNV. It is notable that EEE virus and WNV has been detected in several Massachusetts and Connecticut towns bordering Rhode Island.”
Health officials are urging people to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including wearing long sleeves and pants, applying insect repellant, and avoiding outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Horses are particularly vulnerable to West Nile Virus and Eastern equine encephalitis, so they are also susceptible to mosquito-borne illnesses. Health officials are advising horse owners to vaccinate their animals and monitor them frequently for signs of illness.
Residents can also help control mosquito populations by removing standing water outdoors, in and around homes and businesses, where mosquitoes breed. Mosquito fish can be used in man-made wetlands to reduce mosquito populations.
For more information on EEE virus and ways to prevent it, please visit www.health.ri.gov/eee. For more information about WNV, please visit www.health.ri.gov/wnv.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
