Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

The latest test results from around Rhode Island showed no West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis in the state's mosquitoes.

The tests were done on 95 mosquito pools, or samples, from 33 traps set statewide during the week of Aug. 4, the Department of Environmental Management said today.

But the DEM advised, Rhode Islanders should protect themselves by getting rid of mosquito breeding areas -- things that hold standing water -- and by avoiding getting bitten.

Remove old tires, buckets, junk and debris. Clean gutters so they drain properly and maintain swimming pools correctly. Put screens on windows and doors and cover up at dawn and dusk. Put 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.

Mosquitoes are trapped weekly by DEM staff and tested at the state Department of Health laboratory.

 Tags  Eastern Equine Encephalitis West Nile Virus

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