EEE-Positive Mosquito Found On Block Island

NEW SHOREHAM, RI — A mosquito trapped on Block Island tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis, the Department of Environmental Management said Friday. All other pools tested in the state came back negative, the department said.

In its latest round of trapping on Sept. 9, the department tested 55 pools of mosquitoes from 31 traps across the state. There were no other positive findings of EEE or West Nile found.

So far this year, there has been one case of EEE in the state, in a West Warwick man who died on Sept. 9. The disease was also confirmed in two deer, one in Coventry and the other in Richmond, as well as a horse in Westerly.

Heading into hunting season, hunters are encouraged to take precautions to prevent tick and mosquito bites. All Rhode Island residents are asked to take steps against mosquitoes in their homes and yards, installing screens, emptying standing water and using insect repellent with DEET.