News Summary
A resident in their 60s from Providence County has tested positive for West Nile Virus, the first probable human case in Rhode Island this year. The individual showed symptoms in early September and is currently hospitalized. While state health authorities report the case, confirmatory testing by the CDC is pending. The risk level for West Nile Virus has been raised to high, as 13 mosquito samples have tested positive for the virus, particularly in East Providence. Residents are advised to take preventive measures against mosquito breeding.
Providence County Reports First Probable Human Case of West Nile Virus in 2025
A resident in their 60s from Providence County has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), marking the first probable human case in Rhode Island for the year 2025. The individual began showing symptoms in early September and is currently hospitalized, receiving treatment for the virus.
While the state health authorities have reported this case, confirmatory testing will be conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to verify the positive result. As of September 15, 2025, no mosquito samples collected statewide have tested positive for WNV, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), or Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV).
This case comes as the state health department raises the risk level for WNV to high across Rhode Island. Notably, 13 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV this season, with a concentration of seven positive tests reported in East Providence, which has been identified as a hotspot for the virus.
The Danger of West Nile Virus
Approximately one in five individuals infected with WNV may experience fever and other associated symptoms. Furthermore, about one out of every 150 infected persons may develop a serious, potentially fatal illness. Currently, there are no vaccines or medications available to treat WNV in humans, highlighting the importance of preventive measures.
Current Mosquito-Borne Disease Status in Rhode Island
In addition to the confirmed case of WNV, there have been no reported animal cases of mosquito-borne diseases in Rhode Island for the year 2025. Last year saw six human cases of WNV, one confirmed case of EEE, and one case of JCV. However, this season has seen no mosquitoes test positive for EEE or JCV thus far.
Public Health Recommendations
The Rhode Island Department of Health has issued advisory instructions for residents to monitor standing water around their homes. Sources of stagnant water, such as unused pools and unclean gutters, can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Residents are urged to take action to eliminate these breeding sites to help mitigate the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses.
Conclusion
The report of the first probable human case of WNV this year underscores the importance of staying informed and taking preventive action. As public health officials work to monitor and control mosquito populations, residents are encouraged to take precautions to safeguard their health and contribute to the broader effort to manage mosquito-borne diseases in the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Residents
West Nile Virus Confirmed in Rhode Island Mosquito Samples
Community Mourns the Loss of Three Local Residents
Rhode Island Reports Increased Cases of West Nile Virus
Bristol, R.I. Reports Detection of West Nile Virus
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
- Turn to 10 News
- Providence Journal
- ABC 6 News
- Providence Journal – Mosquito Risk
- Wikipedia: West Nile Virus
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.
