Horse who contracted EEE in Middleborough dies

MIDDLEBOROUGH, R.I. (WLNE) — The  Middleborough Health Department said that a horse that was infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis died on Aug. 24.

The town said the horse was unvaccinated and that there are currently no human cases of EEE or West Nile Virus in the town.

The state Mosquito Borne Disease Advisory Group recommended that schools and organizations consider rescheduling games, practices, and other outdoor activities scheduled to occur during early morning or dusk hours to earlier in the afternoon or relocated to an indoor venue.

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

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said that residents can help with mosquito control by removing backyard larval habitats, such as clogged gutters and puddles.

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.

More information can be found here.

North Fork Helicopters is conducting larvicide applications to Chapman Swamp in Westerly and Great Swamp in South Kingstown.