First Human Case Of EEE Since 2010 Confirmed In Rhode Island

WEST WARWICK, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Health confirmed the state's first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in nearly a decade on Friday. So far this year, there have been three confirmed findings of the disease in mosquitoes trapped in the state.

The patient is a West Warwick resident over the age of 50, the department said. This is the first confirmed human case in Rhode Island since 2010.

The announcement comes less than a day after the department announced a confirmed case of EEE in a Westerly horse. There have not been any findings of West Nile Virus in Rhode Island so far this year.

"In Rhode Island, we have confirmed EEE in both a horse and a human, which indicates that there is a high risk for transmission of disease to humans through mosquito bites," said Ana Novais, Deputy Director of RIDOH. "EEE is a rare, but very serious disease. We strongly recommend that people everywhere in Rhode Island protect themselves and their families by using insect repellent, minimizing outdoor exposure at dusk and dawn, and wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors at those times. People must also reduce opportunities for mosquitoes to breed by eliminating standing water around their homes."

There have been four confirmed human cases of the disease in Massachusetts, as well as seven horses. This summer has carried a higher-than-average risk for mosquito-borne illnesses in Southeastern New England, the department said.

In response, the department of health is adding additional traps throughout Rhode Island to test more mosquitoes. Doing so will allow Department of Environmental Management scientists to determine the best next steps, which could include spraying pesticides, as well as better assess the scope of the mosquito population.

The state will continue to weigh options, the department said, and will address both larvae and adult mosquitoes. Previous personal recommendations such as getting rid of all standing water in backyards and wearing protective clothing are still in effect. Schools and sports teams are encouraged to use "smart scheduling" to avoid as much outdoor activity as possible during peak mosquito activity hours.