Rhode Island raises West Nile virus risk to high as more mosquitoes test positive
Rhode Island officials have raised the West Nile virus risk level to high after the state detected the virus in this year's mosquito season.
Rhode Island officials have raised the West Nile virus risk level to high after the state detected the virus in this year's mosquito season.
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The virus was found in mosquito samples collected by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management in East Providence, North Providence and Providence on July 20.
The samples were tested by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories.
Other mosquito samples collected at the same time showed no signs of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), Jamestown Canyon virus or additional West Nile virus activity.
While the detections do not indicate a widespread statewide outbreak, the risk level for West Nile virus is high.
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Health officials are now urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), West Nile virus is the leading mosquito-borne disease in the U.S.
About 1 in 5 people infected with the virus develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash.
In more severe cases, the virus can affect the central nervous system and cause serious illness that may result in hospitalization or death.
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There are currently no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat West Nile virus in people.
The CDC recommends using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and loose-fitting pants, avoiding outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and using window and door screens or air conditioning to help keep mosquitoes outside.
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For more information about West Nile virus in Rhode Island, click here.
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