#fightthebite

During my freshman year of college, I started getting joint pains, terrible joint pains. I also got sick constantly, had headaches, more lethargic than ever.

“You just started college, I’m sure this is just you getting used to a new environment.”

The pain didn’t dissipate so I was sent to a psychiatrist who happened to have Lyme, quite fortuitous. She insisted I get tested for Lyme, the doctor refused because “Lyme doesn’t exist in the South”, this back and forth finally led to my parents graciously paying out of pocket for me to get the two Lyme disease tests and both came back positive.

No apology from the doctor. “Well at least it can easily be treated with two weeks of doxycycline.”

I got even worse after those two weeks.

My psychiatrist informed me that it is not as easily treated as they made me believe, and since I went months without treatment it may be chronic or PTLDS (whichever term you prefer).

Then I had to go to an “underground” doctor who almost killed me with a slew of antibiotics that should have never been combined. This messed up my stomach so badly that I couldn’t digest anything and ended up getting H. pylori and ulcers.

Fast forward, I tried my best to finish college. But fainting, debilitating pain, brain fog, getting every virus on campus led to me dropping out and forgoing my dreams of getting a doctorate in wildlife biology.

Mosquitoes can make life really unpleasant. It can be troublesome to constantly track down their high-pitched buzz. And when you have found the culprit there always seems to be another one waiting in the wings.

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August 23, 2024

The Rhode Island Interscholastic League has been in contact with the Rhode Island Department of Health, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Mosquito Borne Disease Advisory Group regarding today's press release urging Rhode Islanders to use personal precautions to reduce the elevated risk of mosquito-borne diseases in Rhode Island and neighboring states.  

The RIIL encourages all member schools to review the recommendations they have provided and take necessary precautions in coordination with school department and municipal response efforts regarding all community related sports and activities. 

Member schools are also encouraged to contact RIDOH directly at 401-222-2577 if you need any additional support or have questions specific to your location/facilities.  Our office will continue to collaborate with RIDOH and DEM and will be sure to communicate any pertinent updates and information to our member schools as they are received.

Prevention is the best method of protection

RIDOH & RIDEM advises Rhode Islanders to take the following measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to help minimize mosquito breeding:

Prevent Mosquito Bites

Put screens on windows and doors. Fix screens that have holes.

Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur around dawn or dusk. This is when mosquitoes carrying the EEE virus are most active. If you must be outside, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and use bug spray.

Use EPA-approved bug spray with one of the following active ingredients: DEET (20-30% strength) picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus or paramenthane. Always read the label and follow all directions and precautions.

Put mosquito netting over playpens and baby carriages.

Get rid of mosquito breeding grounds

Remove items around your house and yard that collect water. One cup of water can produce thousands of mosquitoes!

Clean your gutters so that they can drain properly.

Remove any water from unused swimming pools, boats, or water features and cover them.

Clean and change water in birdbaths at least twice a week.

Mosquito nets are a simple yet effective solution for protecting yourself and your loved ones from the dangerous and annoying bites of mosquitoes. These nets are made from a fine mesh fabric that creates a physical barrier to prevent mosquitoes and other insects from entering your sleeping space.

Mosquitoes are not just a nuisance, they can also transmit deadly diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. Mosquito nets are an affordable and accessible way to reduce your risk of contracting these illnesses.

Using a mosquito net is easy - simply hang it over your bed or sleeping area and tuck the edges under your mattress or sleeping mat to create a sealed barrier. Mosquito nets are available in a range of sizes and styles to suit different needs, from single-person nets to larger family-sized nets that can cover an entire room.

In addition to their protective benefits, mosquito nets are also lightweight and portable, making them ideal for travel and camping. They can be easily packed into a backpack or suitcase and taken on any adventure, providing peace of mind and a good night's sleep no matter where you are.