Positive West Nile Test In South Kingstown

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Management (DEM) confirmed a positive test for West Nile Virus in a pool of mosquitoes in town.

"The findings are not unexpected," DEM said in a press release. We are currently in the highest risk period for transmission of mosquito-related illness to humans."

The positive test came from mosquitoes trapped by DEM staff on August 27 and tested at the Rhode Island Department of Health State Health Laboratories. The other 163 samples tested negative for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

According to DEM, nine mosquito samples from seven different communities have tested positive for West Nile Virus. Four mosquito samples have tested positive for EEE.

Some tips DEM recommends to avoid diseases mosquitoes carry include:

• Use EPA-approved bug spray with one of the following active ingredients: DEET (20-30% strength is recommended), picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol.

• Minimize outdoor activity at dawn and at dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

• Put insect netting over strollers and playpens.

• Wear long sleeves and long pants whenever possible, particularly if you are outdoors during dawn and dusk.

• Remove anything around your house and yard that collects water; just one cup of water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes.

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