EEE detected in Rhode Island for first time this year

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WJAR) — Health and environmental officials in Rhode Island said Thursday that they have confirmed the presence of eastern equine encephalitis in the state for the first time this year.

They said a mosquito sample collected Aug. 6 in Central Falls tested positive for the disease. The samples contained two separate mosquito species that are known to feed on mammals.

Several communities in Bristol County, Massachusetts, have been deemed at high or critical risk for EEE after mosquitoes tested positive for the disease. A Plymouth County man was infected.

The Rhode Island Department of Health said a positive finding for a mosquito-borne disease does not mean anyone has contracted the disease, but it does highlight the need to take precautions.

The department said West Nile virus, another disease spread by mosquitoes, has not been detected in Rhode Island this year.

The department made the following recommendations to avoid contact with mosquitoes:

• Put screens on windows and doors
• Fix screens that are loose or have holes
• At sunrise and sundown (when mosquitoes that carry EEE are most active), minimize outside activities.
• Use EPA-approved bug spray with one of the following active ingredients: DEET (20-30% strength); picaridin, IR3535; and oil of lemon eucalyptus or paramenthane.
• Do not use bug spray with DEET on infants under 2 months of age.
• Children should be careful not to rub their eyes after bug spray has been applied on their skin
• Wash children’s hands with soap and water to remove any bug spray when they return indoors
• Put mosquito netting over playpens and baby carriages

Homeowners should also remove standing water where mosquitoes breed.