Rhode Island's 1st 2026 West Nile Case Detected In Providence

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's first case of West Nile virus this year was detected in Providence.

The virus was found in a mosquito sample collected June 29 in Providence, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Department of Health said in a media release

Additional mosquito samples collected statewide showed no signs of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus, Jamestown Canyon Virus, or West Nile virus, according to the release.

Rhode Island’s risk level for West Nile virus is medium, the departments said.

West Nile is the main mosquito-borne disease in the United States, according to the release, and there is no vaccine to prevent it.

About 20% infected with the virus "develop a fever and other symptoms," the release said.

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