In a concerning development, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced on Friday that mosquitoes in two communities, East Providence and Westerly, have tested positive for the West Nile virus. This discovery has prompted state officials to declare the entire state of Rhode Island as high-risk for the virus and urge residents to take necessary precautions during this active mosquito season.

The DEM officials collected samples from traps set in both East Providence and Westerly, and the tests confirmed the presence of West Nile virus. This alarming result has heightened concerns about the spread of the virus across the state, prompting the authorities to issue an alert for all residents to be vigilant in protecting themselves from mosquito bites.

Due to the increased risk level, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and DEM are strongly advising schools and organizations to consider rescheduling or relocating outdoor activities scheduled for early morning or dusk hours. The suggestion is to either move these activities to the afternoon or switch to indoor venues, ensuring the safety of participants.

While adult mosquitoes are not eradicated until a hard frost occurs (defined as three consecutive hours below 32 degrees Fahrenheit), their activity levels decrease significantly below 58 degrees and become largely inactive below 50 degrees. It is crucial for Rhode Island residents to remain cautious and take preventive measures as temperatures start to drop.

To address the growing concern, last month, the DEM conducted an aerial application of mosquito larvicide across 3,000 acres of Chapman Swamp in Westerly and Great Swamp in South Kingstown. This preventive measure aimed to reduce mosquito populations and minimize the risk of related diseases. State officials plan to continually evaluate the risk level statewide and will provide further updates if additional prevention measures are deemed necessary.

The common symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and in some cases, swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. Although many individuals infected with the virus may show no symptoms, some may experience them for several days or even weeks. It is important to be aware of these symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.

The DEM strongly urges Rhode Islanders to take proactive steps to reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Some of the recommended preventive actions include removing any items around homes and yards that can collect water, as just one cup of water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes. Additionally, cleaning gutters and downspouts to enable proper drainage, removing stagnant water from unused swimming pools, and using larvicide treatments such as Mosquito Dunks are advised. Regular water cleaning and changing in birdbaths is also crucial to prevent mosquito breeding.

Horse owners, in particular, need to exercise caution as horses are susceptible to both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. It is highly recommended for horse owners to vaccinate their animals early in the season. Furthermore, taking measures such as removing or covering areas where standing water can collect, keeping animals indoors during peak mosquito activity times, and using approved repellents can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

It is important for all residents to stay informed and follow the guidelines provided by health authorities to protect themselves, their families, and their animals. Taking preventive action now can make a substantial difference in mitigating the spread and impact of West Nile virus in Rhode Island.