NEW: West Nile Hits RI… First Case Reported

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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

GoLocalProv Health Team

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) reports that a man in his 50s from Providence County was diagnosed with West Nile Virus (WNV). HEALTH’s laboratory confirmed the diagnosis. The man first developed symptoms on August 25 and was hospitalized the same day. He has recovered and has been discharged from the hospital.

“This is yet another reminder that this is the time of year when there are more mosquitoes and Rhode Islanders are at increased risk for exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses like WNV,” said Director of Health Michael Fine, MD. “It is imperative that anyone who spends a lot of time outside use bug spray with DEET. When possible, it is best to avoid outdoor activity at dawn and at dusk when mosquitoes are most active. It is also important to make sure there is no standing water in our yards or in other public gathering places.”

To date this year, there has been one mosquito pool in Rhode Island that has tested positive for WNV. No mosquito pools in the state have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). For information about mosquito-borne diseases or weekly surveillance reports, visit http://www.health.ri.gov/disease/carriers/mosquitos.