RI Sees 1st Human Case Of EEE Of 2024, 2nd Case Of West Nile Virus

RHODE ISLAND — Rhode Island recently saw its first human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)in 2024 and its second probable human case of West Nile Virus (WNV), the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) said Wednesday.

RIDOH officials said the EEE case was diagnosed in a person in their 70s from Providence County. The probable WNV diagnosis happen to a Newport County resident in their 60s.

This is the first case of EEE in Rhode Island since 2019 and is the11th case in Rhode Island since 1983.

Also read: RI's 1st Human Case Of West Nile Virus In 2024 Confirmed.

"We are seeing more human cases of mosquito-borne disease in Rhode Island and in bordering communities in Massachusetts and Connecticut," Director of Health Jerome said. "This underscores how important it is that all Rhode Islanders need to continue protecting themselves from getting mosquito bites. Avoid outdoor activity at sunrise and sunset because that’s when mosquitoes are most active. If you have to be outside, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and bug spray with DEET or another EPA-approved repellent."

Last month, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) conducted an aerial application of mosquito larvicide across 3,000 acres of Chapman Swamp in Westerly and Great Swamp in South Kingstown to reduce mosquito populations and related disease risk. As mosquito season continues, state officials said they will evaluate the risk level statewide and provide updates if more prevention measures are planned.

Common symptoms of West Nile Virus include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. Although many people who are infected with the virus show no symptoms, symptoms last for some people for several days or several weeks.

The DEM encouraged Rhode Islanders to take preventive action to reduce mosquito exposure. Here are some tips to stay safe.

Remove mosquito breeding grounds

• Remove items around your house and yard that collect water. Just one cup of water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes; an unused tire containing water can produce thousands of mosquitoes.
• Clean your gutters and downspouts so that they can drain properly.
• Remove any water from unused swimming pools, wading pools, boats, planters, trash and recycling bins, tires, and anything else that collects water, and cover them.
• Remove or treat any shallow water that can accumulate on top of a pool cover. Larvicide treatments, such as Mosquito Dunks can be applied to kill immature mosquitoes. This environmentally friendly product is available at many hardware and garden stores and online.
• Clean and change water in birdbaths at least once a week.

Best practices for horse owners

Horses are particularly susceptible to West Nile Virus NV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Horse owners are advised to vaccinate their animals early in the season and practice the following:

• Remove or cover areas where standing water can collect.
• Avoid putting animals outside at dawn, dusk, or during the night when mosquitoes are most active.
• Insect-proof facilities where possible and use approved repellents frequently.
• Monitor animals for symptoms of fever and/or neurological signs (such as stumbling, moodiness, loss of appetite) and report all suspicious cases to a veterinarian immediately. If you are unsure if your horse is properly vaccinated, you should consult with your veterinarian.

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