2 More Cases Of EEE Confirmed In Rhode Island

COVENTRY, RI — Two more Rhode Islanders have confirmed cases of Eastern equine encephalitis, the Department of Health said Tuesday, the second and third this year. Both of the patients were released from the hospital and are recovering, the department said.

The first case is in a child under the age of 10 in Coventry, while the second is a Charlestown resident in their 50s.

"This has been a year with significantly elevated EEE activity, and mosquitoes will remain a threat in Rhode Island until our first hard frost, which is still several weeks out," said RIDOH’s Deputy Director Ana Novais. "Personal mosquito-prevention measures remain everyone’s first defense against EEE. If possible, people should limit their time outdoors at sunrise and sunset. If you are going to be out, long sleeves and pants are very important, as is bug spray."

Tuesday's announcement comes just over a week after the department announced the death of a West Warwick man from EEE on Sept. 9.

"Residents should be aware and take precautions," said Joseph Wendelken, a spokesperson for RIDOH.

Based on their symptoms, both new patients are believed to have contracted the illness in late August, before aerial pesticide spraying across four targeted areas.

"Spraying effectively reduces the risk of mosquito-borne disease but if does not eliminate the risk completely," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "Personal protection always is essential to further minimize the risk, and we hope that Rhode Island’s #FightTheBite campaign helps raise public awareness about how important it is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes."

The DEM and department of health are considering further preventative steps such as additional aerial spraying. At this time, no decisions have been made, Wendelken said. Public announcements will be made if any further spraying is to occur.