Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- All mosquito samples taken from 20 traps set statewide during the week of June 29 have tested negative for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, the state Department of Environmental Management announced Friday.

Every week DEM workers trap mosquitoes statewide and have them tested at the state Department of Health laboratory. Test results from mosquitoes trapped this week will be included in next week's announcement. If any samples test positive, more samples will be tested.

So far this year, all mosquitoes trapped in Rhode Island have tested negative for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

To prevent mosquito-borne diseases, people are encouraged to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by cleaning gutters, maintain swimming pools and removing yard debris that can hold water, such as old tires, buckets, trash and junk. To prevent mosquito bites, the department urges people to keep window and door screens in good repair, cover playpens and baby carriages with netting and cover skin with clothes that have been sprayed with mosquito repellent.

Just one cup of standing water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes. Repellent should not be used on infants, and repellents containing more than 30 percent DEET should not come in contact with skin.

For more information, visit the DEM or Health Department Web sites. Selecting E will bring you to information on Eastern Equine Encephalitis and W to West Nile Virus.

 Tags  Eastern Equine Encephalitis mosquitoes West Nile Virus

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