The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) have reported a new detection of West Nile Virus (WNV) in East Providence. The virus was identified in a mosquito sample collected by DEM on August 25 and tested at the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories. No other mosquito samples from across the state showed evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV), or additional WNV.
According to officials, “Rhode Island’s risk level for WNV remains high statewide. WNV is the main mosquito-borne disease in the US. While most people with WNV don’t get sick, about one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. For more information about WNV, visit www.health.ri.gov/wnv.”
State residents can find updated weekly test results on RIDOH’s arboviral surveillance data webpage and learn more about preventing mosquito bites at health.ri.gov/mosquito. Information regarding mosquito control is available at dem.ri.gov/mosquito.
Further details on DEM programs can be found at www.dem.ri.gov, and updates are posted on DEM’s social media channels including Facebook, Twitter/X (@RhodeIslandDEM), and Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem).
