RI mosquitoes test positive for EEE

WESTERLY, R.I. (WPRI) - The Rhode Island Department of Health said a pool of mosquitoes from a site in Westerly tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, the first case this year in Rhode Island.

The mosquitoes were collected from a trap in Chapman Swamp.

Mosquitoes in eastern Connecticut have also tested positive for EEE.

Health officials recommend people take precautions against mosquito bites:

• Use bug spray with DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). Make sure that bug spray does not have more than 30% DEET. Do not use bug spray with DEET on infants.
• At sunrise and sundown (when mosquitoes are most active), minimize outside activities. If you are outside, HEALTH strongly recommends wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants and using bug spray.
• Put mosquito netting over playpens and baby carriages.
• Put screens on windows and doors. Fix screens that have holes.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding grounds:
  • Get rid of anything around your house and yard that collects water. One cup of water can produce thousands of mosquitoes!
  • Change the water in birdbaths at least two times a week.
  • Clean your gutters so that they can drain properly.
  • Remove any water from unused swimming pools or boats and cover them.
  • Help your neighbors, friends, and family do the same things.

The department is recommending school and city officials reschedule or relocate outdoor activities planned for dawn, dusk or the evening.

• EEE fact sheet
• Mosquito proection tips