The Department of Environmental Management announces that test results from three mosquito pools, or samples, from traps set in two communities on August 20 and August 25 and tested at the RI Department of Health laboratory have been confirmed positive for West Nile Virus.
The first positive pool of mosquitoes was trapped on August 20 in the Smith Hill section of Providence, and is of the species Genus Culiseta, which only bites birds. Two other positive pools were trapped on August 25, with one also in Providence’s Smith Hill area and another in the Woodlawn section of Pawtucket where West Nile Virus was found in a mosquito sample earlier in the season. Although many mosquito species bite only birds, the Culex species that tested positive for West Nile Virus in Providence and Pawtucket also bites mammals, including humans. As a result of the positive West Nile Virus findings, DEM will be setting extra mosquito traps in the vicinities where the positive samples were found. Test results from an additional 104 mosquito pools trapped during the weeks of August 18 and August 25 are pending.
The new West Nile positive findings reinforce the confirmation that West Nile Virus is well established throughout the state, as, indeed, it is throughout the country. All Rhode Islanders should take extra care to protect themselves, particularly when mosquito-biting activity is high. Biting activity depends on several conditions. It generally is greatest from dusk to dawn. During the day it decreases in sunny areas at lower temperatures and increases in shady areas at higher temperatures. Biting activity also generally increases with high humidity and with low wind. Personal protection is the first line of defense against mosquitoes that can carry diseases such as West Nile Virus and EEE and is by far the most effective way of avoiding infection. People should routinely use mosquito repellent and cover up when mosquito-biting activity is greatest. They should place mosquito netting over playpens and carriages outside, and be sure that screens are in good repair. Mosquito repellent should contain no more than 30 percent DEET, and it should not be used on infants.
This year to date, in Rhode Island, four mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile Virus, and no mosquitoes have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.