08/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/30/2024 07:29
Published on Friday, August 30, 2024
PROVIDENCE, RI - 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) has confirmed one positive finding of West Nile Virus (WNV). The mosquito sample testing positive for WNV was collected in North Kingstown. These results are from 125 samples collected from 30traps 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).Last week, DEM, RIDOH, and the Mosquito Borne Disease Advisory Group (MDAG) they convene recommended that members of the public, schools, and communities consider "smart-scheduling"of outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity hours to help minimize the risk of mosquito bites. Earlier this week, DEM announced that it is conducting an aerial application of mosquito larvicideacross 3,000 acres of Chapman Swamp in Westerly and Great Swamp in South Kingstown to reduce mosquito populations and related disease risk. As mosquito season continues, the MDAG will continue to evaluate the risk level statewide and will provide updates if any further mosquito control measures are planned. DEM and RIDOH continue to urge Rhode Islanders to protect themselves and their loved ones from mosquito bites and the diseases they carry, including EEE virus and WNV.
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 Connecticuthas 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 Massachusettshas 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.
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 Culexgenera.
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 Swampand nearby swamplands by helicopter recommended as part of the state's action planto reduce mosquito populations and related disease risk.
Residents can help control mosquitoes by removing backyard mosquito breeding grounds. The Asian Tiger Mosquitohas 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.
In addition to considering smart-scheduling, Rhode Islanders should take the following measures to protect themselves from mosquito bitesand to help minimize mosquito breeding:
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:
Visit health.ri.gov/mosquitofor 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. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates. Sign up hereto receive the latest press releases, news, and events from DEM's Public Affairs Office to your inbox.