08/23/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/23/2024 08:48
Published on Friday, August 23, 2024
PROVIDENCE, RI - Due to the elevated risk of mosquito-borne diseases in Rhode Island and neighboring states, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Mosquito Borne Disease Advisory Group (MDAG) they convene, are recommending that members of the public, schools, and communities consider "smart-scheduling." With this recommendation that has been communicated to municipal officials and the Rhode Island Interscholastic League(RIIL), the MDAG recommends that schools and organizations consider rescheduling games, practices, and other outdoor activities scheduled to occur during early morning or dusk hours to earlier in the afternoon or relocated to an indoor venue. The recommended smart-scheduling of outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity hours is intended to help minimize the risk of mosquito bites. DEM and RIDOH urge Rhode Islanders to continue protecting themselves and their loved ones from mosquito bites and the diseases they carry, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV).
While the most recent mosquito samples from 121 samples collected from 22traps set statewide by DEM on August 8 and 13 and tested by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories(RISHL) have confirmed no positive findings of WNV, EEE virus, or Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV), previous testing has indicated a significant risk in Washington County and an elevated risk level throughout Rhode Island. Previously this season, Rhode Island has announced 17 EEE virus findings and five WNV findings, the State of Connecticuthas announced 27 EEE virus findings, 192 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 262 WNV findings, 69 EEE findings, one human case of EEE virus, one animal case of EEE virus, and two human cases of WNV. It is notable that EEE virus and WNV has been detected in several Massachusetts and Connecticut communities 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. 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.
Mosquito Control:
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:
Protect yourself!
Remove mosquito breeding grounds!
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:
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.