News Summary
Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management and Department of Health have issued warnings due to a heightened risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito times and to take preventative measures to reduce mosquito populations. With recent cases reported, including a human infection from West Nile Virus, health officials stress the importance of community awareness and safety measures against these potentially severe illnesses.
Rhode Island is facing a heightened risk of mosquito-borne diseases, prompting the state’s Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Department of Health (RIDOH) to issue significant warnings. As a precaution, they highly recommend that schools and organizations avoid scheduling outdoor activities during prime mosquito activity times, specifically early mornings and dusk. Instead, these activities should be shifted to earlier in the afternoon or moved indoors to enhance safety.
This advisory comes in response to a recent spike in cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in neighboring Massachusetts, where a man in his 80s tested positive for the disease. The findings from that area have classified some towns at critical risk, raising alarms for residents of Rhode Island as well. The state has already reported 17 findings of the EEE virus and five findings of West Nile Virus (WNV) this season. Furthermore, the risk of EEE is particularly pronounced in Washington County, according to recent mosquito sample testing.
As of August 16, Rhode Island reported its first human case of WNV for the current season in a resident in their 60s from Providence County. In response to these findings, the state is actively conducting aerial applications of the larvicide Bti over approximately 3,000 acres in Great Swamp and Chapman Swamp to help manage and minimize mosquito populations.
Several factors have contributed to elevated mosquito activity this season. Warmer temperatures have created ideal breeding conditions for the Asian Tiger Mosquito, which is known to carry WNV. To combat this threat, residents are urged to take preventative measures, such as eliminating any standing water around their homes, which can easily turn into breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Common symptoms associated with EEE include fever, seizures, and drowsiness. In contrast, WNV may manifest as fever, body aches, and, in rare cases, lead to severe illness. Notably, EEE symptoms can be severe and carry a mortality rate of up to 30% for infected individuals, while most cases of WNV remain mild.
In light of the increasing risks, health departments are advising the public to take additional precautions when outdoors. This includes wearing long-sleeved clothing and applying EPA-approved insect repellents to reduce the likelihood of mosquito bites. School officials and community organizations are similarly encouraged to practice “smart scheduling” by avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours.
Residents seeking more detailed information on the EEE virus and WNV can refer to the Rhode Island Department of Health’s website, which provides resources and guidance on preventing mosquito-borne illnesses. It is crucial for the community to stay informed and take active steps to protect themselves and their families as the risk of these diseases continues to rise this season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Brown Daily Herald: Rhode Island Sees First Human Case of Deadly Mosquito Virus
- Wikipedia: Mosquito-borne Disease
- Providence Journal: How to Avoid Mosquito Bites
- Google Search: Mosquito-borne Illnesses Rhode Island
- GoLocalProv: Elevated Risk of Mosquito-borne Disease in RI
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mosquito
- What’s Up Newp: Mosquito-borne Illness Cases Rise in Rhode Island
- Google News: West Nile Virus Rhode Island
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
