Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Tests of 60 mosquito samples from around Rhode Island turned up no West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

The results were from 39 traps set the week of July 21, the state Department of Environmental Management said today. So far, no mosquitoes have tested positive for the diseases this year.

But an uptick in mosquito biting is expected this weekend after the the heavy rains the state has experienced, the DEM warned today. More rain means more mosquitoes.

The DEM urged people to protect themselves by getting rid of mosquito breeding grounds -- anything that holds standing water -- such as old tires, buckets, junk and debris. Clean gutters so they drain properly. Maintain swimming pools correctly.

Avoid bites by putting screens on windows and doors, covering up at dawn and dusk, and keeping mosquito netting over playpens and baby carriages when outside.

Use mosquito repellant containing no more than 30 percent DEET -- but don't use repellant on infants, the DEM said.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

 Tags  Eastern Equine Encephalitis West Nile Virus

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