The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) is issuing an advisory to remind people of precautions to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses. In Rhode Island, mosquitoes have tested positive for both West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
“This year’s wet weather has helped to create more ideal situations for mosquito breeding in Rhode Island and in other New England states,” said Chief of HEALTH’s Center for Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases Robert S. Crausman, MD, MMS. “This is a reminder to all Rhode Islanders about the proper precautions to avoid mosquito bites that can cause illnesses such as WNV or EEE.”
Protect yourself: · 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 must be outside, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and use 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.
Most people who are infected with WNV or EEE will not have any type of illness. People who do develop symptoms may have fever, headache and body aches or swollen lymph glands. Symptoms of severe infection include headache, high fever, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, or paralysis. The elderly, young children and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness with WNV and EEE. For more information, call your doctor, visit www.health.ri.gov or call 222-5960.