First human case of West Nile diagnosed in RI

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- A Rhode Island man has been diagnosed with the state's first human case of West Nile Virus this year.

Health officials say the man in his fifties from Newport County has been diagnosed with West Nile fever, a mild form of West Nile Virus. He first developed symptoms Aug. 25 and was diagnosed Aug. 28, but has since recovered.

This comes one day after the Department of Health reported no findings of West Nile or EEE in the latest round of mosquito testing , though officials still urge residents to stay vigilant in protecting against mosquitoes.

"This is yet another reminder that this is the time of year when there are more mosquitoes and Rhode Islanders are at increased risk for exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus," said Director of Health Michael Fine, MD. "It is imperative that anyone who spends a lot of time outside to use safeguards against mosquitoes."

• In-Depth: Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
• Map: West Nile Outbreak
• Related: Mosquito Prevention Tips

West Nile Virus and EEE have been detected in mosquito pools three times apiece this year in the Ocean State, most recently in Tiverton last week.