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RI Department of Health
Cannon Building
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
Dept. of Environmental Management
Division of Agriculture
Mosquito Abatement Coordination
Plant Sci. Dept.
9 E. Alumni Ave.,
Suite 7
Kingston, RI 02881
WNV DEM Mosquito Site |
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West Nile Virus
The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) uses the following information to assess the risk of mosquito borne disease at particular times and in particular locations throughout the state. The matrix was developed with the help of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the University of Rhode Island (URI). Experts from HEALTH, DEM, and URI assemble periodically to assess the risk of serious human diseases from mosquito bites, including West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Risk assessment is a complex process because of the many ways in which environmental factors interact to increase or decrease the risk of mosquito bites. The matrix is used to sort out the many facts that are important to consider in deciding what steps to take to prevent mosquito bites and the diseases caused by mosquito bites. It shows that we can’t assess the risk of mosquito bites on the basis of any one factor (such as season) but that we must consider several factors at the same time.
Mosquito Borne Disease Risk Assessment Matrix
Variable |
Low Risk Indicators |
Medium Risk Indicators |
High Risk Indicators |
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Physical Environment |
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- Temperature @ dusk |
< 55° F |
55° - 70° F |
> 70° F |
- Wind Velocity |
> 20 mph |
10-20 mph |
< 10 mph |
- Relative Humidity |
Low |
Average |
High |
- Habitat |
Open, unshaded |
Partial Sun |
Woods, deep shade |
- Proximity |
> 2 miles |
1-2 miles |
< 1 mile |
- Time of Day |
Mid-day |
[Other times] |
Dusk |
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Surveillance Data |
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- Mosquito Density* |
< 20 / CDC Trap |
20-50 / CDC Trap |
> 50 / CDC Trap |
- Mosquito Species |
None |
Bird-biting |
Cross-biting |
- Infected Mosquitoes |
None |
WNV; Highland J |
EEE |
- Infected Mammals** |
None |
WNV |
EEE |
- Age of Mosquitoes |
Newly emerged adults |
Newly emerged - 2 wks |
> 2 wks*** |
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Season |
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- Month |
November - June |
July, October |
August, September |
* NB: A good indicator of “nuisance”
** Including human cases
*** Rationale: Mosquitoes have had an opportunity for ~ 2 blood meals.
Source: Center for Epidemiology, Rhode Island Department of Health; developed in collaboration with RI DEM and URI. |
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Highlights
Purpose of WNV Surveillance
Monitor WNV in mosquito, bird and human populations in Rhode Island.
A cooperative effort of the Rhode Island Department of Health
and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
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