Media Release

For:  Immediate Release
Date:  June 17, 2003
Contact:  Robert Marshall, PhD 222-1017

State Continues WNV/EEE Prevention/Control Efforts for 2003 
HEALTH and DEM Promote Personal Protection and Larvicide

                This week the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) took another step in the state’s annual program to prevent West Nile Virus (WNV) and other mosquito-borne diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis.  HEALTH contacted school nurse teachers (public and private schools), senior centers and retail pharmacies to offer palm-sized West Nile Virus information cards in bulk quantity for students, elderly citizens and pharmacy customers.   The “palm cards” (English, Spanish, Portuguese) give advice on how to Get Rid of Mosquitoes and how to STOP Mosquito Bites.

            The recommendations include:

• Getting rid of buckets, cans or anything around the house that collects standing water (where mosquitoes can breed)
• Clean rain gutters so they drain properly
• Remove water from old tires, boats, birdbaths, and pools; then cover them
• Fix window and door screens
• Wear cover-up clothing outside at sunrise and sunset (when mosquitoes bite)
• Use bug spray with DEET (30% or less)

Personal protection remains the first line of defense against mosquito-borne diseases. However the state strategy, developed by HEALTH and the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) involves several other important components such as using larvicide, mosquito testing and monitoring the human population.

Last month (May 20) DEM distributed 2335 pounds of mosquito larvicide (Altosid) to Rhode Island communities and state/federal agencies.   Monthly larvicide application to the 86,000 catch basins is the best way for communities to reduce mosquito numbers and human exposure to WNV-infected mosquitoes. 

DEM is tracking mosquitoes weekly on a statewide basis.  The DEM is also mapping and sampling select crows and blue jays to monitor the establishment and spread of WNV.  Residents who find sick or dead crows and blue jays are asked to call the DEM bird hotline on weekdays (788-3698).  The birds must have died no more than 24 hours prior to the call and must be free of physical injury. 

 The HEALTH laboratory will test the mosquitoes for WNV and report the results on the HEALTH website . So far, tests of 149 mosquito pools and 1 bird proved negative for WNV or EEE.  HEALTH also continues to monitor emergency room cases, hospital admissions and laboratory tests for evidence of WNV-like diseases.

Last year US health officials reported West Nile Virus in 44 states--including 4,156 human cases of the disease and 284 deaths. Rhode Island announced its first human West Nile Virus case in 2002. 

For more information about WNV go to: www.HEALTH.ri.gov or www.state.ri.us/DEM.  For individual copies of the WNV palm card contact the Family Health Information Line at 1-800-942-7434.