PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — In a recent round of mosquito testing in Rhode Island, there were 13 findings of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and two findings of West Nile Virus (WNV).
The R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM) said a total of 106 samples were collected from 23 different traps statewide on July 29.
The samples that tested positive for EEE were found in South Kingstown, while those that tested positive for WNV were collected in Westerly.
There were previously only two EEE findings and one WNV finding in Rhode Island so far this season, according to the DEM.
In neighboring Massachusetts, there have been 124 WNV findings and 34 EEE findings this summer. Connecticut has had 105 WNV findings and 20 EEE findings.
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Locations are not exact and are meant to illustrate findings by community. Source: RI DEM/RI DOH, MA DPH
Mosquito-borne diseases become more prevalent in Southern New England later into the summer.
The DEM says given the number of EEE findings in South Kingstown, there is significant risk in Washington County and elevated risk throughout the rest of the state.
Earlier this week, Massachusetts announced its first human case of WNV and its first case of EEE in an animal after a horse in Plymouth contracted the deadly virus.
The DEM and the R.I. Department of Health are urging people to take precautions.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne illness in the United States.
EEE is extremely rare in humans but more serious than WNV, with a much higher mortality rate. The DEM said 30% of people with EEE die and many survivors have ongoing neurological problems.
You can protect yourself from mosquitos by putting screens on windows and making sure there is no standing water on your property. The DEM also recommends cleaning your gutters and adding Larvicide treatments like mosquito dunks. You should also use EPA-approved bug spray and avoiding going outside at sunrise and sundown.