3 More West Nile Virus Samples Found In Rhode Island

Three more West Nile virus samples were discovered in Rhode Island, bringing the total number for the state this year to five and pushing its risk level from medium to high.

The virus was found in mosquito samples collected from Providence, East Providence and North Providence July 20, the Rhode Island Departments of Health and Environmental Management 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.

Previous samples were found this year in Cranston and Providence.

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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