Woonsocket Radio News Room

 

RIDOH Reports First Human Case of West Nile Virus in 2022


The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is announcing Rhode Island’s first human case of West Nile Virus in 2022. West Nile Virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.

The person who tested positive was a resident of Providence County in their 70s and is currently hospitalized after starting to experience symptoms of West Nile Virus almost three weeks ago.

 

Connecticut has confirmed one West Nile Virus cases in a human and Massachusetts has confirmed four human cases this year. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has confirmed two positive findings for West Nile Virus in mosquito traps this year.

Common symptoms of West Nile Virus include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. Although many people who are infected with West Nile Virus show no symptoms, symptoms last for some people for several days or several weeks.

“The best way to prevent West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and to avoid mosquito bites,” said Interim Director of Health Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH. “Mosquitoes breed in water, so you should get rid of anything around your house and yard that collects water, such as tires, planters, and old trash cans or recycling bins. You should use repellent, and also wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you are outside, especially at sunrise and sunset. A few simple precautions can help you stay healthy and safe when you are outdoors spending quality time with family and friends.”

Protect yourself:

 

  • Put screens on windows and doors. Fix screens that are loose or have holes.
  • At sunrise and sundown (when mosquitoes are most active), consider rescheduling outdoor activities. If you must be outside, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and use bug spray.
  • Use EPA-approved bug spray with one of the following active ingredients: DEET (20-30% strength); picaridin, IR3535; and oil of lemon eucalyptus or paramenthane. Do not use bug spray with DEET on infants under two months of age. Children should be careful not to rub their eyes after bug spray has been applied on their skin. Wash children's hands with soap and water to remove any bug spray when they return indoors.

 

Get rid of mosquito breeding grounds:

 

  • Get rid of anything around your house and yard that collects water. Just one cup of water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes.
  • Clean your gutters and downspouts so that they can drain properly.
  • Remove any water from unused swimming pools, wading pools, boats, planters, trash and recycling bins, tires, and anything else that collects water, and cover them.
  • Remove or treat any shallow water that can accumulate on top of a pool cover.
  • Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week and rinse out birdbaths once a week.

 

More information about mosquito prevention is available online.

 

 

President Trump says the killing is stopping in Iran. Wednesday at the White House, the President said he just heard on good authority that Iran won't hold executions, presumably of anti-government protesters. Trump would not elaborate on the information or where it came from. The president has warned Iran the U.S. is looking at options, possibly using the military, for intervening in the crackdown on anti-government protests, and stands "ready to help."        A member of Congress is filing articles of impeachment against Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem. Illinois Democratic Congresswoman Robin Kelly cited the secretary's handling of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. She also alleged Noem denied members of Congress "oversight of ICE detention facilities." Kelly's impeachment articles also accuse Noem of violating public trust and abusing her power for personal benefit.        Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is expected to meet with President Trump on Thursday at the White House. Trump's relationship with Machado has become somewhat complicated since the U.S. arrested former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Following that military operation, Trump said Machado "doesn't have the support within, or the respect within, the country." Many expected Machado to be a key player in Venezuela after Maduro's ousting, but Trump allowed Maduro's vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, to assume control.        The Supreme Court is allowing an Illinois congressman to sue the state over a mail-in ballot law. Republican Congressman Michael Bost was granted the legal right to sue Illinois over its ability to count mail-in ballots received after Election Day, which is a practice being targeted by President Trump and his allies. While the legality of the practice itself was not before the justices, the seven to two ruling could pave the way for political candidates nationwide to challenge election laws more easily in their states.        Preliminary numbers reveal enrollment in Obamacare has dropped. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 22-point-eight million consumers signed up for 2026 individual market health insurance compared to the 23-point-six million consumers who enrolled around this time last year. The decline of roughly 800-thousand people is an early indication that allowing the enhanced premium tax subsidies to expire caused people to defer signing up for health insurance.        Those hoping to attend the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics can now register for the ticket draw. Fans can submit their application now for the chance to be among the first to buy tickets. The registration period will be open until March 18th and fans will be notified if they've been selected by April 7th. The first ticket drop for the general public will start April 9th. Ticket prices start at 28-dollars.       

Old News Archives