CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WPRI) — Mosquito samples collected in Cumberland on Sept. 12 and 19 had one positive finding of West Nile virus (WNV) and one finding of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).

Rhode Island health and environmental officials said the results are from 87 samples collected from 30 traps statewide.

Testing at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week has also confirmed the probable case of WNV announced last week, bringing Rhode Island’s total number of human cases this year to four.

Health officials say Southern New England’s mosquito season in 2024 has been “particularly active” and are urging schools and organizations to reschedule outdoor activities slated to happen early in the morning or at dusk.

While the temperatures are dropping, adult mosquitos won’t die off until the area has experienced a hard frost, or three consecutive hours of temperatures below 32 degrees.

You can learn more about how to protect yourself from mosquito bites here .

Locations are not exact and are meant to illustrate findings by community. Source: RI DEM/RI DOH, MA DPH

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