10.1.2000 00:17
Cold replaces spraying to combat W. Nile
The West Nile virus was found in five more crows in three South County communities last week, but state environmental officials do not plan on spraying these areas because mosquitoes are already dying off with the colder weather.
The crows were found between Sept. 21 and Sept. 24 on Juniper Drive in North Kingstown; Holly Road in South Kingstown; and in Wilcox Park and on Timothy Drive and Montauk Avenue in Westerly.
The state Department of Environmental Management expects that more infected birds will be found during the next few weeks. However, the mosquito population will continue to decline as nights get colder and the days get shorter.
Mosquitoes also become less active as the temperatures drop.
"All of these factors add up to a significant reduction in the human health risk for West Nile virus," the DEM said in yesterday's release.
The DEM said spraying isn't necessary when nighttime temperatures drop below 60 degrees because mosquitoes aren't active when it is that chilly.
However, state officials advised Rhode Islanders to continue taking precautions to avoid being bitten, such as covering up at dusk and at dawn and wearing repellent when venturing into the woods.
No mosquitoes have tested positive for the West Nile virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
To date, 155 tested birds have shown no signs of either disease; 20 have previously tested positive for West Nile and 3 have previously tested positive for EEE. The virus was also found in a horse.
A Northern raven found on Snake Hill Road in Chapachet Sept. 21 has also tested positive for EEE.
For more information, call the state's Family Health Information Line at 1-800-942-7434 during business hours.
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