The virus, known more commonly as EEE, is the first finding of the year, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health. The sample was taken from the pond on Aug. 1.
“The positive mosquito pool is a species that primarily bites birds; this species is largely responsible for maintaining the virus in the bird population,” the department said in a press release. “There are no confirmed human cases of EEE in Rhode Island.”
EEE is rare, but one of the most severe mosquito-transmitted diseases in the U.S. with approximately 33 percent mortality and significant brain damage in most survivors, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
There is no specific treatment for EEE; care is based on symptoms, the CDC says. To reduce your risk of being infected with EEE, use insect repellent, wear protective clothing and stay indoors while mosquitoes are most active. If you think you or a family member may have EEE, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis.
According to Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management records, Chapman Pond was sprayed witin late April an aerial application of a mosquito larvacide known as BTI, a naturally-occurring bacterium applied in granular form to control mosquito breeding in swamps and other breeding habitats.
The product is environmentally friendly and does not pose a risk to human health. Larviciding is recommended as part of the state’s action plan for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis and considered an effective strategy to reduce mosquito populations and related disease risk, according to a DEM press release.
In addition to EEE, Rhode Island tests mosquitos for West Nile Virus. To date, there has been one confirmed finding of West Nile Virus in a mosquito sample in the norther part of the state. There are no confirmed human cases of WNV in Rhode Island.
West Nile Virus has also been detected in mosquito samples trapped in Massachusetts and Connecticut, while EEE was confirmed in a mosquito sample trapped in southeastern Massachusetts.
A group of mosquitos trapped on Aug. 1 in Tiverton also tested postive Jamestown Canyon Virus, although the virus rarely causes human illness.
The Department of Health conducts testing weekly and will provide updates regarding the disease and any additional findings next week.
Source :http://www.thewesterlysun.com/
TAGS: Brain inflammation eastern equine virus Westerly virus Mosquito
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