West Nile Found in Tiverton Mosquitoes

Rhode Island environmental officials are warning that West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes in the state for the second time this season.

The state Department of Environmental Management said on Tuesday that a sample of mosquitoes collected Sept. 8 in southern Tiverton tested positive for the virus.

A sample of mosquitoes collected Aug. 12 in the central area of North Kingstown was the first positive finding. No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Rhode Island.

The DEM says positive findings are expected in late summer and early fall, and the risk of mosquito-borne disease typically lasts until the first frost.

Nevertheless, the DEM advises people to increase efforts to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using repellent and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.