RI reports 1st positive EEE mosquito test

PROVIDENCE—Rhode Island authorities are reporting the first positive test of the year for Eastern equine encephalitis.

The test results came from a mosquito pool set at the University of Rhode Island last week.

The state Department of Environmental Management said Tuesday that the positive finding came from a species that bites both birds and humans. It was confirmed on Monday.

Mosquitoes are trapped each week and tested at the state health department laboratory.

So far this year, no mosquitoes in Rhode Island have tested positive for West Nile virus.

Rhode Islanders are being urged to protect themselves against mosquito bites.