EEE Virus Found in Neighboring Community

Pawtucket – Mayor Donald R. Grebien, the Pawtucket City Council and the City of Pawtucket are urging residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites after insects in a neighboring city tested positive for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus late last month.

“The health and safety of our residents are top priorities for us in Pawtucket,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “There has been no further evidence of mosquitoes carrying the EEE virus since we learned of positive tests found in a neighboring city earlier this month. We still want our community to take precautionary efforts to prevent infection of this mosquito-borne illness. We have been working and communicating with the professionals at the Department of Environmental Management and Health Liaison Dr. Michael Fine to take the proper steps to avert infections.”

“Residents participating in any outdoor activities are advised to use mosquito repellent, appropriate long sleeve shirts and pants, and eliminate standing waters at home,” said Emergency Management Director David Deloge. “We want to ensure that everyone has taken the necessary precautionary measure even though contracting the illness is very rare.”

The Department of Public Works annually treats catch basins for mosquitoes and will continue to take necessary measures as required to protect the community. Residents are asked to schedule their day in order to avoid being outside at dawn and dusk whenever possible. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing sudden headaches, a high fever, chills, and/or vomiting, please contact your primary care physician immediately.

###

Information on Spraying conducted by RIDEM on 9/8/2019.

For Immediate Release
September 1, 2019
Contact: Wil Arboleda
401-728-0500 ext 358