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September 26, 2006

Mosquito tests positive for EEE; state urges precautions

The state Department of Environmental Management is warning Rhode Islanders to continue protecting themselves against mosquito bites after a mosquito trapped in Westerly tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

It was the first mosquito from Rhode Island to test positive for EEE this year, but the DEM believes Rhode Island has a higher risk than usual for EEE, because it has been found here in previous years, and southeastern Massachusetts has had an unusually high number of mosquitoes with EEE.

Five people in Massachusetts have contracted EEE, and two of them have died.

In Rhode Island, the mosquito carrying EEE was taken Sept. 19 from a trap in Chapmans Swamp in Westerly. It was a type of mosquito that prefers biting birds and rarely bites humans, the DEM said.

The DEM urges people to use mosquito repellent and cover their skin when mosquito activity is greatest. They also advise Rhode Islanders to ensure their screens are in good shape. Mosquito netting should be placed on carriages and playpens outside. Mosquito repellent should contain more than 30 percent DEET, and it should not be used on infants, the DEM says.

DEM's EEE and West Nile virus page.

Posted by Jack Perry  at 8:34 AM | Permalink

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