West Nile Virus

Alert

Dear School Nurse Teachers and School Nurses:

We are in the season when Rhode Island sees the most mosquito activity and experiences the greatest potential for humans to contract West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). It is essential that the public continue to prevent exposure to mosquito bites! Even with statewide efforts to control mosquitoes in every Rhode Island community, the risk of exposure persists.

We realize that many school activities appropriately take place outdoors. It is especially important for all students, families, and school staff to continue using strategies to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

School Nurse Teachers (Public Schools) and School Nurses (Private/Parochial Schools) are key partners in the effort to expand the use of repellants and to employ “smart scheduling” of events for schools. To that end, HEALTH has two fliers available for downloading and printing:

One flyer promotes preventive behavior to avoid mosquito bites:
http://www.health.ri.gov/disease/communicable/wnv/flyer0903.pdf

Another describes mosquito behavior to help prepare for outdoor events:
http://www.health.ri.gov/disease/communicable/mosqactivity.pdf

Thank you for your support in our educational efforts.

Sincerely,

David R. Gifford, MD MPH
Director
Rhode Island Department of Health