With EEE, or Eastern Equine Encephalitis, detected in mosquitoes trapped July 10 in Voluntown, Conn., the R.I. Department of Health and the R.I. Department of Environmental Management urge Rhode Islanders to take precautions against mosquito bites.
Mosquito bites, humans, and horses
The positive finding, of a Culiseta species that feeds exclusively on birds, is the first confirmation of EEE in Connecticut this year and the earliest since testing began.
Voluntown is on the R.I./Conn. border, next to the Arcadia Management Area in Exeter.
The positive finding, of a Culiseta species that feeds exclusively on birds, is the first confirmation of EEE in Connecticut this year and the earliest since testing began in 1997. "The early finding means that there will be more weeks available for the virus to multiply," noted Alan Gettman, the Rhode Island's mosquito abatement coordinator.
Rhode Island is increasing the number of testing areas in southwest Rhode Island.
The chances of humans and horses getting bitten by mosquitoes is greatest from dusk to dawn. In general mosquitoes tend to congregate in shady areas at higher temperatures, high humidity and low wind.
Horse owners can decrease the chance of their animals being exposed to the virus by limiting their exposure to mosquitoes. The best way to do this is to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
Well-maintained insect screening can be useful to reduce exposure to adult mosquitoes if precautions are taken to first eliminate mosquitoes from insidestables and barns. Fans may reduce the potential ability of mosquitoes to feed on horses.
People are advised to avoid bites and possible infection by routinely using mosquito repellent with no more than 30 percent DEET, and covering up when biting activity is greatest.
Place mosquito netting over playpens and baby carriages outside, and be sure that screens are in good repair. Do not use DEET repellent on infants.
So far, all mosquitoes trapped in Rhode Island have tested negative for EEE and West Nile Virus. Trapping will continue weekly.