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July 2, 2007

R.I. mosquito samples come up clean again

Two weeks of testing down and no signs yet of West Nile virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis in mosquitoes in Rhode Island.

That's the word today from the state Department of Environmental Management.

Results from 50 mosquito pools -- from 26 traps set around the state during the week of June 18 -- came back negative for the viruses.

DEM staff trap mosquitoes every week around the state and then send samples for testing at the state Health Department laboratory. Mosquitoes trapped in June will be part of results announced this week.

The DEM urges people to eliminate things mosquitoes could breed in. That includes anything that holds standing water, such as old tires, buckets, junk and debris. People should also clean gutters so they drain properly and maintain swimming pools correctly.

To avoid mosquito bites, use sceens on windows and doors and cover up at dawn and dusk. Put mosquito netting over playpens and baby carriages when they're outside.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 6:50 AM | Permalink

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