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September 26, 2006

First mosquito in R.I. tests positive for EEE

WESTERLY -- Town and school officials are reviewing safety procedures after a mosquito tested positive this week for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, most commonly referred as EEE, in the Chapmans Swamp area.

The Westerly EEE case, the first mosquito to test positive in the state this year, was from a species that feeds mostly on birds and rarely bites humans, said Alan Gettman, mosquito abatement coordinator with the state Department of Environmental Management.

Still, officials are urging caution, encouraging people to cover up, use mosquito repellent and checking screens. Mosquito repellent should contain no more than 30 percent DEET and should not be used on infants..

EEE is a mosquito-borne viral disease that can be fatal. There have been five positive EEE human cases in Massachusetts so far this year. Two of those cases have been fatal.

In addition, 10 mosquito pools in Rhode Island have tested positive for the West Nile virus. None of those cases have been fatal.

-- Journal staff writer Maria Armental

Posted by Steve Peoples  at 7:04 PM | Permalink

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