EEE discovered in Tiverton mosquitoes

TIVERTON, R.I. (WPRI) -- Mosquitoes captured in Tiverton have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

According to the Department of Environmental Management, the illness was discovered in mosquitoes from one sample in Northern Tiverton. It's the third time this year that the disease has been detected in Rhode Island.

The infected species feeds almost exclusively on birds, though health officials still urge Rhode Islanders to take extra care in protecting against mosquito bites.

Officials have also said that mosquitoes trapped in North Kingstown have tested positive for Highland J virus. Even though that's a bird disease that doesn't affect humans, they say it serves as an indicator that environmental conditions are appropriate for the transmission of other mosquito-borne illnesses.