RIDOH says Central Falls mosquito sample contains West Nile Virus

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and Department of Health announced that a mosquito sample collected in Central Falls tested positive for West Nile Virus.

RIDOH said that the sample was set on Sept. 19.

RIDOH also gave a summary of this year’s positive cases of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis:

• There have so far been 13 positive West Nile Virus collections, with six in Westerly, two in Barrington, and one each in Central Falls, Cranston, Johnston, Richmond, and Tiverton.
• There were six positive EEE samples in mosquitos, and one in a mammal. All were in Glocester except a single mosquito sample collected from Block Island.

Massachusetts has had 29 findings of EEE, 159 findings of WNV, and three human cases of West Nile.

Connecticut has had 49 findings of EEE, 180 findings of WNV, and two human cases of West Nile.

The DEM said that Rhode Island EEE risk is now high.

It said that residents can help with mosquito control by removing backyard larval habitats, such as clogged gutters and puddles.

Guidelines to prevent mosquito bites released by the Rhode Island Departments of Environmental Management and Health. (Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management)

Residents should also look out for the Asian Tiger Mosquito, which is a daytime biter with a recognizable black and white pattern.

The DEM said that although EEE is extremely rare in humans, it is very serious and has a much higher human mortality rate than West Nile.

Horse owners are also advised to vaccinate their animals early in the season.