West Nile Virus Found In Rhode Island For 12th Time

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — A mosquito sample tested positive for West Nile virus for the 12th time this summer, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

The sample collected Sept. 2 in East Providence and tested at the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories brings the total number found in the state this year to 12, the Department of Environmental Management reported.

The virus was found just a week earlier, also in East Providence.

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Samples collected the week prior to that in Johnston, East Providence and Cranston also tested positive, the department said in a media release.

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Positive samples were previously located in Westerly, West Greenwich, twice in East Providence and Bristol.

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"Rhode Island’s risk level for WNV remains high statewide," the department's media release said.

Related: Rhode Island's 2nd West Nile Sample of 2025 Spotted In Bristol: State

"While most people with WNV don’t get sick, about one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms," the release said. "There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people."

See also: West Nile Virus Risk Elevated In 10 MA Towns: State