RIDOH recommends precautions due to elevated mosquito risk

WESTERLY, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and Department of Health said that public schools and communities should use “smart scheduling” and personal precautions due to elevated mosquito risk.

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.

The latest collection of mosquito samples found no cases of West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

The state has had a total of five West Nile and 17 EEE findings so far in 2024.

Connecticut has announced 192 West Nile findings, 27 EEE virus findings, and one Jamestown Canyon Virus finding, while Massachusetts has announced 262 West Nile findings, 69 EEE findings, as well as two human cases of West Nile and one human and one animal case of EEE.

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

The DEM 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.