PROVIDENCE, R.I. - - Mosquitoes from three more pools have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Rhode Island, the state Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Department of Health announced Wednesday.
The mosquitoes were taken from the Smith Hill area of Providence, the southern section of East Providence and central North Kingstown, but West Nile Virus is presumed to be present in other areas of the state, too, state officials say.
All of the mosquitoes were of the Culex species, which feed on birds and mammals.
In Rhode Island so far this year, seven pools of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus and four pools of mosquitoes has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
According to the announcement, there have been no reported 2013 cases of WNV or EEE in humans in Rhode Island, but human cases have been reported in nearby states.
There have been three confirmed cases of WNV in Massachusetts, and two deaths from WNV in New Jersey, state officials say. Vermont has had one death from EEE.
State officials encourage Rhode Islanders to protect themselves from mosquito bites through the mosquito season, which typically lasts through the first hard frost.
Among other precautions, people should wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts and socks during outdoor evening and early morning activities, use bug spray, avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when possible, repair broken screens and check their property for standing water, where mosquitoes can breed.