West Nile detected in Providence mosquitoes The Department of - TopicsExpress

West Nile detected in Providence mosquitoes The Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Department of Health said a sample of mosquitoes collected on July 29 in the Smith Hill area of Providence has tested positive for West Nile virus. The health department says there have been no reported 2013 cases of West Nile or Eastern equine encephalitis in humans in Rhode Island. During mosquito season, residents are encouraged to protect themselves by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and avoiding mosquito bites. Personal protection is the first line of defense against mosquitoes that can carry diseases such as West Nile Virus and EEE and is by far the most effective way of avoiding infection. To help protect yourself, the DEM suggests Rhode Islanders should: Dress for protection. Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts and socks during outdoor evening activities. Use bug spray. Use mosquito and tick repellent with no more than 30 percent DEET during outdoor activities, particularly at dusk and during evening hours, when mosquitoes are most active. Do not use repellent on infants. Time activities for maximum protection. If possible, minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn. Evaluate the environment. Be sure all open windows are screened, repair any holes in screens, and fix loose screens. Remove any standing water around yards and houses by emptying planters, wading pools, trash and recycling bins, and other places where water might accumulate to reduce mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Just one cup of standing water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes.