West Nile Virus confirmed in Warren

Positive test came from mosquito collected last week

By Ted Hayes
Posted 8/18/17

State biologists have found West Nile Virus in a mosquito sample collected in Warren last week, the first incidence of the potentially deadly virus in Rhode Island this year.

The Rhode Island …

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West Nile Virus confirmed in Warren

Positive test came from mosquito collected last week

Posted

State biologists have found West Nile Virus in a mosquito sample collected in Warren last week, the first incidence of the potentially deadly virus in Rhode Island this year.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Rhode Island Department of Health said Thursday that the positive result came from a mosquito species that bites both birds and humans. Another 105 mosquito samples from traps set on Monday, Aug. 7 have tested negative for both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

State officials said the positive finding is not unexpected. Mosquito-borne diseases are more prevalent in late summer and early fall, and risk typically lasts until the first frost. Personal protection is the first line of defense against mosquitoes that may carry West Nile Virus, EEE, or other diseases — and the most effective way to avoid infection. Throughout the summer season, the public is encouraged to:

n Remove anything around your house and yard that collects water; just one cup of water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes.

n Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage, and repair holes in window screens.

n Remove any water from unused swimming pools, wading pools, boats, planters, trash and recycling bins, tires, and anything else that collects water, and cover them.

n Change the water in birdbaths at least two times a week, and rinse out birdbaths once a week.

n Use EPA-approved bug spray with one of the following active ingredients: DEET (20-30% strength), picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol. Do not use bug spray on infants under 1 year of age.

n Minimize outdoor activity at dawn and at dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

n Put insect netting over strollers and playpens.

n Wear long sleeves and long pants whenever possible, particularly if you are outdoors during dawn and dusk.

So far this year, there have been three findings of EEE in mosquito samples and one finding of West Nile Virus. There are no confirmed human cases of EEE in Rhode Island. However, because summer and fall are peak seasons for mosquito-borne disease transmission to people, Rhode Islanders should be aware of the symptoms of EEE. Severe cases of EEE (involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain) begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. If you think you or a family member may have EEE, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis.

Horses are particularly susceptible to West Nile Virus and EEE. Horse owners are advised to vaccinate their animals early in the season and practice the following: 

 n Remove or cover areas where standing water can collect.

n Avoid putting animals outside at dawn, dusk or during the night when mosquitoes are most active.

n Insect proof facilities where possible and use approved repellants frequently.

n Monitor animals for symptoms of fever and/or neurological signs (such as stumbling, depression, loss of appetite) and report all suspicious cases to a veterinarian immediately.  If you are unsure if your horse is properly vaccinated you should consult with your veterinarian.

n Horses are the most susceptible domestic animal, but other, less common species such as ratites (emus, ostriches, etc.) and camelids (alpacas and llamas) are occasionally infected. Owners of ratites and camelids should consult with their veterinarian regarding vaccination of their particular animals. 

Mosquitoes are trapped weekly by Department of Environmental Management biologists and tested at the Rhode Island Department of Health laboratory.

For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visitwww.dem.ri.gov. 

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A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.