PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The temperature outside may be on the decline , but there’s still a risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

Rhode Island health and environmental officials announced Friday that in the latest round of testing, a mosquito sample collected in Westerly tested positive for EEE, while another from Exeter was positive for West Nile virus.

The samples came from traps set on Sept. 19, Sept. 30 and Oct. 2, according to state officials.

Given those findings and recent human cases of West Nile virus , there’s still considered to be a high risk of mosquito-borne diseases statewide. That’s why officials are continuing to encourage “smart scheduling” (moving outdoor activities inside or closer to mid-day, since peak biting time is from dusk until dawn) and taking steps to protect against mosquito bites.

Limiting time outdoors during peaking biting periods is advised, along with using bug spray and wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants when outside.

Mosquito activity decreases as the temperature falls, but adult mosquitoes aren’t killed off until a hard frost, which is three consecutive hours below 32 degrees.

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

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