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June 27, 2006

No sign yet of West Nile virus in R.I. mosquitoes

PROVIDENCE -- The state Department of Environmental Management announced this afternoon that samples taken from 85 mosquito pools earlier in the month have produced no evidence of West Nile virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

So far this year, DEM says, no mosquitoes have tested positive for either virus, although state officials have confirmed their existence in Rhode Island in recent years.

Therefore, Rhode Islanders are warned to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds on their property such as standing water and to protect their skin from bites.

Mosquitoes are trapped every week statewide by DEM staff and tested at the state Department of Health. DEM normally reports mosquito test results once a week throughout the summer.

Posted by Steve Peoples  at 6:05 PM | Permalink

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