09/04/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/04/2025 13:35
Published on Thursday, September 04, 2025
PROVIDENCE, RI - The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) have confirmed an additional detection of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the state. The virus was found in a mosquito sample collected by DEM in East Providence on August 25 and tested by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories. The other samples collected statewide showed no signs of Eastern Equine Encephalitis(EEE) virus, Jamestown Canyon Virus(JCV), or additional WNV. Check RIDOH's arboviral surveillance data webpagefor updated weekly test results.
Rhode Island's risk level for WNVremains high statewide. WNV is the main mosquito-borne disease in the US. While most people with WNV don't get sick, about one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. For more information about WNV, visit https://www.health.ri.gov/wnv.
To learn ways to prevent mosquito bites and the diseases carried by mosquitoes, please visit health.ri.gov/mosquito. For mosquito control info, visit dem.ri.gov/mosquito.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit https://www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter/X (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates. Sign up hereto receive the latest press releases, news, and events from DEM's Public Affairs Office to your inbox.