SMITHFIELD, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island environmental authorities have spread larvicide from a helicopter over several swampy areas of the state to combat the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses.
The helicopter took off from Smithfield Airport on Thursday and dropped larvicide over Westerly, West Warwick, Lincoln, Cumberland and Central Falls.
Eastern equine encephalitis has been detected in those areas. The state’s first human case of the virus since 2010 was reported last month. Officials said the person who contracted the disease was over 50 and from West Warwick.
There’s been one case of West Nile virus detected in Tiverton.
The larvicide targets immature mosquitoes.
The state also plans to spray fine aerosol droplets that kill flying mosquitoes on contact, but officials say a schedule will be released before that takes place.
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