More cases of West Nile, EEE found in Rhode Island mosquitos

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and Department of Health said that mosquitos collected last week tested positive for both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

One mosquito sample collected from Barrington on Sept. 25 tested positive for West Nile while one from Exeter on Sept. 28 tested positive for EEE.

A human case of West Nile was found in Rhode Island on Wednesday.

RIDOH also gave a summary of this year’s positive cases of both viruses:

• There have so far been 14 positive West Nile Virus collections, with six in Westerly, three in Barrington, and one each in Central Falls, Cranston, Johnston, Richmond, and Tiverton.
• There were seven positive EEE samples in mosquitos, and one in a mammal. All were in Glocester except a one each from from Block Island and Exeter.

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

Massachusetts has had 26 findings of EEE, 162 findings of WNV, and four human cases of West Nile.

Connecticut has had 65 findings of EEE as well as two in animals, 180 findings of WNV, and two human cases of West Nile.

The DEM said that Rhode Island EEE risk is high.

It 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.