Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: September 22, 2003
Contact: Robert J. Marshall, PhD 401-222-1017

EEE Shows Up in Three New Pools of Mosquitoes; HEALTH and DEM Urge Personal Protection Measures

Today the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) and Department of Environmental Management (DEM) reported finding three new pools of mosquitoes infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). DEM officials collected 2 pools of mosquitoes on September 11th and another pool on September 15th—all three in Washington County. The mosquitoes in these three pools are known to bite both birds and humans.

"The purpose of releasing this information," said Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH, Director of HEALTH, "is to remind everyone in Rhode Island to avoid mosquito bites. Mosquitoes infected with EEE (and WNV) viruses could be anywhere in Rhode Island. We are putting extra mosquito traps in Washington County—given the area’s past history with EEE." These new findings come at a time when neighboring states report above average EEE activity along parts of the Rhode Island/Connecticut border and in neighboring areas of Massachusetts.

EEE affects the central nervous system and is caused by a virus spread to humans and horses by the bite of an infected mosquito. A rare but often fatal disease, human EEE occurred 6 times in Rhode Island between 1983 and 2003—resulting in three deaths. The US experiences about 10 human cases of EEE per year.

Common sense, personal protection is still the best and most effective way to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses. HEALTH and DEM urge all Rhode Islanders to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as:

• Use bug repellent (30% DEET or less) regularly when outside (age 2 and over)
• Use cover-up clothing (long sleeves and pants) outside—especially at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes feed
• Use mosquito nets over baby carriages and playpens outside. Do not use insect repellent on infants

Keep screen doors and windows in good repair For more information about EEE, go to the HEALTH website  (www.HEALTH.ri.gov ) or the DEM website at www.state.ri.us/dem.