West Nile virus detected in Providence

PROVIDENCE R.I. (WPRI) – The Health Department has announced that mosquitoes in Providence have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

Officials said Tuesday that the infected insects were trapped in the Smith Hill section of the city, and they're from a species that is known to bite humans.

This is only the second pool of mosquitoes to test positive for the disease this year in Rhode Island, the first was last month at Chapman’s Swamp in Westerly .

Mosquitoes have also tested positive for West Nile Virus in Fall River. The infected insects were found in the north end of the city, near Oak Grove Cemetery.

The Health Department wants to remind everyone to protect themselves against mosquitoes by eliminating standing water on their properties, and wearing pants and long sleeves when outside between dusk and dawn.