PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Health and environmental officials are warning Rhode Islanders that the risk of mosquito-borne diseases remains high statewide.

On Thursday, the state reported two new cases of West Nile virus. One is confirmed, officials said, while the other is considered probable. Both are Providence County residents in their 70s.

The state has now had two confirmed and two probable cases of West Nile virus so far this year, along with its first confirmed case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) since 2019.

In addition, the state said the last round of mosquito trapping and testing produced a positive sample collected in Westerly earlier this month.

So far this season, there have been 17 EEE findings and 14 West Nile virus findings in Rhode Island, according to the R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM). There have also been dozens of findings across Massachusetts and Connecticut, including in some border communities.

The DEM says mosquitoes are less active when the temperature drops below 58 degrees and are minimally active when it’s below 50 degrees, but the threat won’t fully end until the first hard frost, which is three consecutive hours below 32 degrees.

As such, Rhode Islanders are urged to take steps to prevent mosquito bites , which include limiting time outside during peak hours (dusk to dawn), using bug spray, wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts, and removing standing water from around homes and yards.

State officials are also continuing to advise schools and other organizations to practice “smart scheduling” by moving activities inside or earlier in the afternoon.

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

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily Roundup

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.