08/29/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/29/2023 12:17
Published on Tuesday, August 29, 2023
PROVIDENCE, RI - The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) today announce the first detection of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) in the state in 2023. The mosquito sample testing positive for EEE was collected in Glocester on Aug. 21. A separate mosquito sample, collected in Barrington on Aug. 21, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the state's fourth WNV detection of the summer.
To date, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has announced 82 WNV findingsand the State of Connecticut reports 63 WNV findings. WNV and EEE findings in mosquitoes are expected because mosquito-borne diseases become more prevalent in Southern New England as the season progresses. Although three of the four WNV detections originated at traps in Westerly, state officials stress that at this stage of mosquito season, it is likely present in mosquitoes statewide.To date, Connecticut has confirmed one human case of WNV.
Although extremely rare in humans, EEE is very serious. Approximately 30% of people with EEE die and many survivors have ongoing neurological problems. Unlike WNV, which is prevalent in Rhode Island every year, EEE risk is variable, changing from year to year. With continued trapping and testing, DEM and RIDOH will be able to assess the EEE risk level this mosquito season. Neither Massachusetts nor Connecticut has reported any findings of EEEin mosquitoes, humans, or animals. For more information on EEE and ways to prevent it, please see RIDOH's factsheet.
WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne diseases in the continental United States and is much more prevalent than EEE. It became established in North America following its introduction in 1999. WNV will likely be prevalent for the rest of the season, so DEM and RIDOH continue to advise Rhode Islanders to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes until the first hard frost. (A hard frost is when the air and the ground freeze below 32°F for three hours or below 28°F for two hours.) Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.
Personal protection is the first line of defense against mosquitoes that may carry WNV, EEE, or other diseases - and the most effective way to avoid infection. The following precautions are advised.
Protect yourself
Remove mosquito breeding grounds
Best practices for horse owners
Horses are particularly susceptible to WNV and EEE. Horse owners are advised to vaccinate their animals early in the season and practice the following:
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.