1st human West Nile virus case of year reported in Rhode Island
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Health on Wednesday reported the first human case of the West Nile virus this year.
The virus, spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, was detected in a Newport County resident in their 70s, according to the Department of Health.
The person started showing symptoms in late August and are recovering.
The Department of Health said there’s been an uptick in the eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile viruses this year in Rhode Island.
Human cases of the West Nile virus have also been found in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Health officials said many people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms, but could experience fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a rash.
