TIVERTON — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces that test results from two mosquito pools, or samples, from traps set in Tiverton and Pawtucket on July 30 have been confirmed positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). These are the first findings of WNV in Rhode Island this year and are not unexpected. Mosquito-borne diseases are more prevalent in late summer and early fall, and risk typically lasts until the first frost. 

To date, in Rhode Island, two mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV, and four mosquito samples have tested positive for EEE. Neighboring states of Connecticut and Massachusetts have reported positive findings of WNV in mosquito samples this year.

Horses are particularly susceptible to WNV and EEE. Horse owners are advised to vaccinate their animals early in the season and, among other precautions, are urged avoid putting animals outside at dawn, dusk, or during the night when mosquitoes are most active.

Visit http://www.health.ri.gov/mosquito for additional mosquito prevention tips, videos, and local data.