Rhode Island Officials Recommend ‘Smart Scheduling’ to Reduce Risk of Mosquito Bites

Rhode Island officials are urging residents and schools to consider “smart scheduling” to reduce the risk of a rare but deadly disease transmitted by certain mosquito bites.

In a news release on Aug. 23, the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) cited the “elevated risk of mosquito-borne diseases” in Rhode Island and neighboring states and asked residents, school and community officials to take precautions.

Some mosquitoes could be carrying the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) and the West Nile Virus (WNV).

The agency made the recommendations jointly with the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Mosquito Borne Disease Advisory Group.

The announcement came the same day that Massachusetts town officials warned
residents to remain indoors at night after EEE was discovered in a horse in the area, NPR reported.

“The recommended smart-scheduling of outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity hours is intended to help minimize the risk of mosquito bites,” the DEM said in its release. “DEM and RIDOH urge Rhode Islanders to continue protecting themselves and their loved ones from mosquito bites and the diseases they carry, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus and West Nile Virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the infected mosquitoes are typically found in eastern states or areas along the Gulf coast. The disease, transmitted through infected mosquitoes, is rare but has a fatality rate of 30%.

There is no treatment or vaccine available for EEE, the CDC said.

According to the agency, symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes and drowsiness.

Michael P. Lunney, executive director of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) sent a message to school principals and athletic directors notifying them of the state’s recommendation.

“The RIIL encourages all member schools to review the recommendations they have provided and take necessary precautions in coordination with school department and municipal response efforts regarding all community-related sports and activities,” Lunney said in a news release.