Rhode Island announces first human EEE case in 2024, additional West Nile Virus case
by NBC 10 NEWS
(WJAR) — Rhode Island Department of Health announced the state’s first human EEE case in 2024.
The state also said it has also found a second probable case of West Nile Virus this year.
The human case of EEE, which the state’s first case since 2019, was found in a person from Providence County in their 70s, according to health officials.
The second probable human case of West Nile Virus was found in a person in their 60s in Newport County.
RIDOH also said the first probable case of West Nile Virus that was announced last month was confirmed by testing.
“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,” said Director of Health Jerome Larkin. “If you have to be outside, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and bug spray with DEET or another EPA-approved repellent.”
Health officials also said residents should try to get rid of mosquito breeding grounds by removing items in or near the house that collect water and by cleaning getters and downspouts so they can drain properly.
“The Rhode Island Interscholastic League encourages all member schools to review the recommendations and take necessary precautions in coordination with your school department and municipal response efforts,” a Rhode Island Interscholastic League spokesperson said.
This comes just after Massachusetts health officials announced three additional cases of West Nile Virus on Tuesday and another human case of EEE on Monday.