By News Staff
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - State health officials in Rhode Island are warning residents of a heightened risk of mosquito-borne illnesses after recent mosquito tests found West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis.
State health director Michael Fine said Friday that while such findings aren't unusual, Rhode Islanders should take precautions to minimize mosquito bites.
Earlier this week the state reported that they found Eastern equine encephalitis in mosquitoes in Tiverton, the first time the virus has been detected in the state this year. Mosquitoes infected with West Nile have been found twice in Rhode Island so far this year.
Environmental officials recommend that residents avoid mosquito bites by wearing repellant, placing screens on windows and doors and eliminating standing pools of water, where mosquitoes breed.
The state routinely tests mosquitoes during the summer.
