PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The state Department of Environmental Management and the Department of Health said Tuesday mosquitoes in Tiverton and Westerly have been confirmed positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
It is the second time this year that EEE has been positively identified in Rhode Island, although it is presumed likely to be present in other areas of the state, the agencies reported in a news release. The positive EEE results were from a pool of mosquitoes trapped in the northern area of Tiverton and in Chapman Swamp in Westerly. Both positive findings were of the Culiseta species that feeds exclusively on birds.
In addition, two mosquito pools -- one trapped in Tiverton and one trapped in a remote area of northwestern Hopkinton close to the Connecticut border -- have been confirmed positive for Highlands J Virus. The positive Highlands J results were from a species of mosquitoes that bites birds. Highlands J virus is a bird disease that doesn't affect humans, but which is an indicator that environmental conditions are appropriate for the transmission of other mosquito-borne viruses.
These findings are not unexpected at this time of the year. Test results on the remaining 103 mosquito pools from 33 traps set statewide during the week of Sept. 3 are pending at the Department of Health laboratory.
By Thomas J. Morgan