By News Staff
news@abc6.com
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island environmental officials say mosquitoes at a swamp in Westerly have tested positive for West Nile virus.
The Department of Environmental Management said Thursday that a sample of mosquitoes collected in Chapman Swamp on July 9 came back positive for the virus. The type of mosquito tested is one that bites both birds and humans.
Officials say West Nile is increasingly being detected in mosquitoes at locations in Boston, western Connecticut and on Long Island.
The state traps and tests mosquitoes each week for West Nile and eastern equine encephalitis. No mosquitoes in Rhode Island have yet tested positive for EEE.
Environmental officials urge residents to take steps to avoid mosquito bites, by draining standing water, wearing insect repellant and covering up when outside.
Meanwhile, after EEE was found in Easton, officials are planning to start spraying the area Friday and Saturday.
For more information on the EEE spraying in southern New England, click here: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/spraying.htm
