First human case of West Nile Virus detected in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and Rhode Island Department of Health said that the first human case of West Nile Virus was detected in the state.

The person who had the case was from Providence County and in their 60s.

There were also two additional positive findings of West Nile and two additional positive findings of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in mosquito samples.

The West Nile samples were collected in Westerly and Central Falls while the EEE samples were collected from South Kingstown and Westerly.

RIDEM said that the mosquitos were collected from traps set statewide on Aug 1 and Aug 5.

The state has had a total of five West Nile and 17 EEE findings so far in 2024.

Connecticut has announced 172 West Nile findings and 24 EEE virus findings, while Massachusetts has announced 105 West Nile findings and 40 EEE findings.

There have also been two human cases of West Nile and one animal case of EEE in Massachusetts.

Guidelines to prevent mosquito bites released by the Rhode Island Departments of Environmental Management and Health. (Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management)

The DEM said that residents can help with mosquito control by removing backyard larval habitats, such as clogged gutters and puddles.

Residents should also look out for the Asian Tiger Mosquito, which is a daytime biter with a recognizable black and white pattern.

The DEM said that although EEE is extremely rare in humans, it is very serious and has a much higher human mortality rate than West Nile.

Horse owners are also advised to vaccinate their animals early in the season.

More information can be found here.