News Summary
In East Providence, a recent mosquito sample has tested positive for West Nile Virus, marking the 14th case in Rhode Island this summer. The Rhode Island State Health Laboratories confirmed the finding, highlighting growing concerns about the virus in local communities. Health officials urge residents to take preventive measures, including eliminating standing water and avoiding mosquito bites, as the risk level is classified as high statewide.
East Providence: Fourteenth Mosquito Sample in Rhode Island Tests Positive for West Nile Virus This Summer
As of September 22, a mosquito sample collected in East Providence has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), marking the 14th positive detection in Rhode Island this summer. The Rhode Island State Health Laboratories confirmed the finding, raising the alarm for local communities and health officials.
This latest positive sample comes amidst rising concerns about WNV in the state, with prior detections also recorded in East Providence, Johnston, Cranston, Westerly, West Greenwich, and Bristol. The state’s Department of Health also recently announced the first probable human case of West Nile virus in 2025, identified in a sample taken on September 15. The infected individual, a person in their 60s from Providence County, began showing symptoms in early September and is currently hospitalized. Confirmatory testing of the human case will be conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The risk level for West Nile virus remains classified as high statewide, prompting heightened awareness and preventive measures among residents. About one in five individuals infected with WNV develop symptoms, which can include fever and other mild to moderate effects. More alarmingly, about one in 150 people infected with the virus can develop serious, potentially fatal illnesses. Last year, Rhode Island reported six human cases of West Nile virus, alongside one case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis and one case of Jamestown Canyon virus. So far this season, testing has not indicated any mosquitoes have been positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis or Jamestown Canyon virus, providing some respite amidst the concerning WNV findings.
The first positive mosquito sample of 2025 was detected on July 21 in East Providence, followed by another on July 28 in Bristol. Subsequent testing yielded positive samples from Johnston, East Providence, and Cranston on August 28. With the accumulated data emphasizing the presence of WNV in the area, health officials are urging residents to take preventive actions.
To mitigate the rise of mosquito populations, the Rhode Island Department of Health recommends monitoring and eliminating standing water around homes, where mosquitoes are known to breed. The department has also issued guidance on avoiding mosquito bites, including wearing appropriate clothing, staying indoors during peak mosquito activity hours, and using insect repellent. Further information on these preventive measures and the latest weekly mosquito testing data can be accessed through the Rhode Island Department of Health’s website.
As the summer continues, both officials and residents are advised to stay vigilant in monitoring their surroundings and adhering to health recommendations to reduce the spread of West Nile virus and protect public health.
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Additional Resources
- Turn to 10: Third Detection of West Nile Virus
- ABC6: West Nile Detected in East Providence
- Providence Journal: First Probable Case of West Nile Virus
- Wikipedia: West Nile Virus
- WPRI: Rhode Island Risk Level for West Nile Virus Remains High
- Google Search: West Nile Virus Rhode Island
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE 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.
