Mosquitoes found with equine encephalitis virus of the East

PROVIDENCE, RI (AP) – Rhode Island officials say for the first time this season Mosquitoes have tested positive for equine encephalitis virus from the East.

The state's environmental management department says the virus was found in samples taken in Pawtucket, Warren and East Providence on June 11th. says that it is unusual to find the virus so early. The department urges people to prevent mosquito bites by using a repellent, inspecting nets, wearing long sleeves and pants, repairing holes in mosquito nets and eliminating mosquito breeding areas.

Rhode Island also tests mosquitoes for West Nile virus, which has not yet been found

Connecticut and Massachusetts reported finding West Nile virus in mosquito samples this week .