Rhode Island updates status of mosquito-borne diseases

PROVIDENCE, Mass. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management released an updated set of test results from mosquito samples for 2023.

In accordance with previous tests, none of the tested mosquitos contained traces of either West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

Mosquitos that were tested on were collected from traps set on July 10.

RIDEM said that residents can help with mosquito control by removing backyard larval habitats, such as clogged gutters and puddles. Horse owners are also advised to vaccinate their animals early in the season.

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

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health previously found West Nile virus in mosquitos the state had tested. No examples of EEE have been found in the state, however.

Connecticut has still found no trace of either virus in any of its tests.