Rhode Island Sees First Human West Nile Virus Case Of 2021

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island reported its first human case of West Nile Virus of the year Friday. The person is currently hospitalized, the Rhode Island Department of Health said.

The person is in their 50s and frequently traveled back and forth between Rhode Island and Massachusetts, the department said. They began to experience symptoms about four weeks ago. Confirmation testing was performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Common West Nile symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. Many people who are infected are asymptomatic, though symptoms could last for several days or weeks, according to the Department of Health.

The disease is spread to humans by infected mosquitos. So far this year, there have been five findings of West Nile in mosquitos trapped around Rhode Island, though this is the first confirmed human case.

Rhode Island has not confirmed a West Nile Virus case since 2018. Connecticut has had three cases so far this year, and Massachusetts reported seven. Earlier this week, this year's first finding of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in New England was identified in a mosquito trapped in Connecticut.

"Although we’re nearing the end of mosquito season in Rhode Island, the risk is still high because mosquito-borne diseases have had the opportunity to become more prevalent in the mosquito population throughout the summer," said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. "Mosquitoes breed in water, so you should get rid of anything around your house and yard that collects water, such as tires, planters and old trash cans or recycling bins. You should also wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you are outside, especially at sunrise and sunset. A few simple precautions can help you stay healthy and safe when you are outdoors spending quality time with family and friends."

Mosquitos remain a threat until the first hard frost, or when the air and ground freeze below 32 degrees for three hours, or below 28 degrees for two hours.