News Summary
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Department of Health confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus in Bristol after positive mosquito samples. This is the second case in the state this year, emphasizing public health concerns around mosquito-borne illnesses. RIDOH encourages residents to take preventive measures against mosquito bites, highlighting the significance of awareness and proactive steps.
Bristol, R.I. Reports West Nile Virus Detection
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) have confirmed a detection of West Nile Virus in Bristol, following a positive test from a mosquito sample collected on July 28. This is the second case reported in the state this year, with the first case identified in East Providence from a sample taken on July 21.
The mosquito in Bristol belonged to a group of 50 Culex pipiens, commonly known as house mosquitoes. Over a nine-week period of surveillance in Bristol, RIDEM has collected and tested a total of 1,785 adult female mosquitoes, all of which returned negative results for other mosquito-borne diseases, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV).
Understanding the Threat of West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is the only mosquito-associated illness reported in Rhode Island this year, highlighting its significance as a public health concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that West Nile Virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the United States. Most individuals infected with the virus do not display symptoms; however, approximately 1 in 5 may develop West Nile fever, which presents with symptoms similar to the flu, including headaches and body aches.
In more severe cases, West Nile Virus can lead to neuroinvasive illnesses, such as encephalitis or meningitis. The CDC reports that about 10% of severe cases can be fatal, predominantly affecting individuals over the age of 60 or those with compromised immune systems. As of August 5, 2025, the nation has seen 140 recorded cases of West Nile Virus, with 82 involving neuroinvasive illness. Historical data from the CDC shows that between 1999 and 2024, there were 60,992 cases of West Nile Virus traced in humans, leading to 3,134 fatalities.
Prevention Efforts Encouraged
- Wearing insect repellent that contains DEET, especially during peak mosquito activity times such as dawn and dusk.
- Donning long sleeves and pants to maximize skin coverage when outdoors.
- Eliminating any sources of stagnant water around their homes, which can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, such as in neglected swimming pools and blocked gutters.
- Repairing any damaged screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.
In addition to these personal prevention measures, the public can access weekly mosquito testing data through the Rhode Island Department of Health’s website. Additional tips and resources on mosquito control and prevention can be found at health.ri.gov/mosquito and dem.ri.gov/mosquito.
Concluding Note
With the identification of West Nile Virus in Bristol and the recent data showing cases nationwide, officials emphasize the importance of public awareness and proactive precautions to help mitigate risks associated with mosquito-borne illnesses.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
First Detection of West Nile Virus in East Providence
Rhode Island Reports First Case of West Nile Virus in 2025
First Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Urges Caution Amid Spike in Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Rhode Island Warns of Increased Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: West Nile Virus Threat Elevated in Rhode Island
- Wikipedia: West Nile Virus
- ABC6: West Nile Virus Detected in Bristol
- Google Search: West Nile Virus Rhode Island
- MassLive: New West Nile Virus Cases in Massachusetts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
