PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island officials on Wednesday announced the state’s first human case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in five years, along with a new case of West Nile virus.

A person in their 70s from Providence County tested positive for EEE, according to the R.I. Department of Health, while a Newport County resident in their 60s has been identified as a “probable case” of West Nile virus.

Health officials also said the state’s first probable case of West Nile virus announced on Aug. 16 has since been confirmed by the CDC.

That same day, Massachusetts announced its first human case of EEE since 2020.

“We are seeing more human cases of mosquito-borne disease in Rhode Island and in bordering communities in Massachusetts and Connecticut,” said Director of Health Jerome Larkin, MD. “This underscores how important it is that all Rhode Islanders need to continue protecting themselves from getting mosquito bites.”

Health officials recommend taking the following steps to protect against mosquito bites:

• Use bug spray when outdoors
• Limit time outside during peak mosquito activity (from dusk to dawn)
• Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants and socks
• Mosquito-proof your home
  • Drain standing water around your home and yard
  • Install or repair screens in all windows

The threat of mosquitoes typically lasts until the first hard frost.

Locations are not exact and are meant to illustrate findings by community. Source: RI DEM/RI DOH, MA DPH

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