Samples across RI negative for EEE, West Nile Virus

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Health officials have revealed that the remaining mosquito pools across Rhode Island have tested negative for mosquito-borne illnesses after EEE was discovered in Tiverton.

Neither EEE nor West Nile Virus were present in the 83 pools in 44 traps set across the state during the week of Sept. 24. Last week, it was revealed that EEE was discovered in Tiverton for the third time this year.

Officials urge Rhode Islanders to stay vigilant in protecting against mosquito bites, despite declining temperatures. The threat of infected mosquitoes remains until there has been two hard frosts in the area.

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So far this year, six mosquito samples have come up positive for EEE, and five have come up positive for West Nile.