Mosquitos Still A Risk In Rhode Island This Halloween

It may be the end of October, but Rhode Island has not yet seen its first hard frost of the season. That means parents should take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses when bringing their little ghosts and goblins out trick-or-treating this Halloween, the Department of Health said.

Mosquito season generally lasts through the first hard frost of the year, or three consecutive hours below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. While the National Weather Service issued a frost advisory on Oct. 4, most communities have not yet hit the threshold, the department said.

This fall has been particularly warm. Usually, the first frost comes in northern communities in early October, with towns farther south hitting the mark later in the month.

This year has been particularly bad for Eastern equine encephalitis, a dangerous mosquito-borne illness, in Rhode Island. There have been three confirmed human cases of the disease, causing one death, as well as several positive tests from animals and mosquito samples taken from across the state. Two rounds of aerial spraying were conducted to kill adult mosquitoes in targeted, high-risk areas.

When getting ready for trick-or-treating, parents and children are encouraged to wear long sleeves and pants, as well as EPA-approved bug spray with DEET (20 to 30 percent strength), picaridin, IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus or paramenthane. Bug spray should not be used on babies under two months, the department cautioned. Instead, parents are encouraged to place mosquito netting over strollers.

Along with taking precautions against mosquitoes, umbrellas will likely be needed as well this Halloween. According to the latest National Weather Service forecast, showers are expected all dayand night on Thursday, making for soggy trick-or-treating.

The Rhode Island Department of Health also encourages parents to take the following precautions to stay safe on Halloween:

• Children should avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to be more visible to drivers.
• Carry a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever possible.