Mosquitoes in Rhode Island Test Positive for EEE and West Nile Virus, State Urges Precautions

Mosquitoes in five Rhode Island towns, including Westerly, have tested positive for West Nile Virus, while two samples from Glocester tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. The Department of Environmental Management and Rhode Island Department of Health have issued a heightened public health warning, stating that the risk level for both diseases is now considered high. Rhode Islanders are urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites until the first hard frost of autumn. EEE has a higher mortality rate than WNV, and cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, with no vaccines or medications available for treatment.