Arbovirus Testing
Mission
To aid in the diagnosis of insect-borne virus (arbovirus) infections, such as by Zika virus, Dengue virus, Chikungunya virus, and West Nile virus (WNV). In addition, to monitor for the presence of mosquito-borne arboviruses WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) in mosquitoes trapped and collected from throughout the state by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM).
RI officials scramble to contain deadly virus
Officials in Rhode Island are working to contain the spread of the mosquito-borne virus Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, as cases continue to spike across the US.
What we do
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Test trapped mosquitoes, pooled by species, during mosquito season (June – October) for the presence of arboviruses WNV and EEE using advanced molecular methods.
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Share test results with the RIDOH Center for Acute Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology (CAIDE) and DEM to assist them with surveillance for the presence and spread of arboviruses within the state. report
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Provide clinical diagnostic testing for Zika virus, Dengue virus, and Chikungunya virus using advanced molecular-based test methods.
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Provide clinical diagnostic testing for Zika virus, Dengue virus, Chikungunya virus, and West Nile Virus (WNV) using serological (antibodies)-based test methods.
Accomplishments
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Performed arboviral detection by advanced nucleic acid extraction and rRT-PCR molecular amplification methods for the screening of trapped mosquito pools for arboviruses
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Tested trapped mosquito pools (then separated by species) to identify pools infected with WNV and pools infected with EEE.
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Provided support to help ensure a rapid response by the Rhode Island State Health laboratories during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020/2021
Rhode Island Department of Health