Media Advisory

RI Arbovirus Prevention and Control Program (WNV and EEE)
Public Access to Test Results for Birds and Mosquitoes

The RI Departments of Health (HEALTH) and Environmental Management (DEM) commenced the 2002 Arbovirus Prevention and Control Program in early May. As in past years, the program includes several components: personal protection and prevention, municipal larvicide program, mosquito, bird and human surveillance—all guided by the Rhode Island WNV Plan and Response Protocol. Personal protection (screens, insect repellent, cover-up clothing) and prevention (remove standing water, municipal larvicide program) are the primary interventions to promote a safe and healthy population

Mosquito and Bird Testing Results

Each year DEM also collects birds and mosquitoes for testing. The first reports on mosquitoes collected during May 26 to June 15, 2002 showed no evidence of WNV or EEE (see below). The chart will indicate if results are positive for mammal-biting mosquitoes. Testing results for birds takes a similar format—with one positive crow collected during June 16-22.

(see www.health.ri.gov/disease/communicable/wnv/weeklytest.htm).

This format represents a change from previous years and continues timely public access to arbovirus (WNV, EEE) testing results. During the 2002 season (May to October 2002) DEM will submit all bird and mosquito specimens to the Department of Health State Laboratory for testing. HEALTH will post the results on the HEALTHri.org website, generally on Tuesday of each week. HEALTH encourages the media and members of the public to consult the webpage throughout the 2002 season for the most current test results.

For More Information

Both DEM and HEALTH will keep the public informed throughout the 2002 WNV season. For more information on prevention and protection of mosquito-borne diseases contact any of the following: