Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: October 2, 2002
Contact: Robert J. Marshall Jr., Ph.D. 401-222-1017

HEALTH Reports First Human Case of West Nile Virus in RI
Woman, Age 66, Discharged from Hospital and Fully Recovered

Today, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) announced confirmation of the state’s first human case of West Nile Virus. The case of viral encephalitis occurred in a 66-year-old female from Providence County. The HEALTH Laboratory confirmed the presence of WNV in the patient’s cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on October 2, 2002. The patient survived the disease and was discharged to home, completely recovered, following a 5-day hospitalization. Confirmation of the disease as WNV does not materially affect the type of treatment a patient receives.

HEALTH officials estimated that exposure to a WNV-infected mosquito probably occurred during Labor Day weekend. Officials could not confirm where the critical exposure took place. A review of medical records indicated a history of multiple mosquito bites especially during outdoor excursions in Massachusetts and Connecticut around Labor Day. Due to patient confidentiality, officials declined to release additional information about this case.

"Everyone needs to take WNV prevention measures seriously," said Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH, Director of the RI Department of Health. "The season is almost over, but common-sense, personal protection is still the best and most effective way to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses—at least until the first, hard frost."

Personal protection includes:

• Use bug spray (30% DEET or less) regularly when outside (age 2 and over)
• Use cover-up clothing (long sleeves and pants) outside—especially at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes feed
• Use mosquito nets over baby carriages and playpens outside. Do no use insect repellent on infants
• Keep screen doors and widows in good repair
• Eliminate standing water (such as old tires, clogged rain gutters and yard debris) where mosquitoes breed

This case represents the first, confirmed human case in the state. As of October 2, 2002 US public health officials reported 2430 human cases and 125 deaths nationwide.

In response to this case, HEALTH will continue its stepped up monitoring for other cases with local hospitals and infectious disease experts. HEALTH plans to contact health care providers, hospital emergency units and urgent care centers to advise them regarding the diagnosis of possible cases. Officials do not plan to recommend other environmental measures or restrictions this late in the season, but will keep the public informed if any new events develop.

Human WNV happens only after a bite from an infected mosquito. It is not possible to get WNV directly from birds or from person to person contact. Although mosquito activity is low, it still exists during this warm fall weather. Biting activity is much lower, and no new mosquitoes are being produced. However, there will be some mosquito activity, particularly during periods of warmer daytime temperatures. This will continue until the weather returns to its seasonal low temperatures and hard frosts

Most human cases of WNV are mild. Symptoms include fever, headache and body aches—occasionally with skin rash and swollen glands. More serious infections involve headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, and muscle weakness—progressing in the most severe cases to stupor, convulsions and coma. Rhode Islanders experiencing any of these symptoms, particularly following mosquito bites, should contact their personal health care providers. For general information about WNV in Rhode Island, the public may call the Family Health Information Line at 1-800-942-7434 or go to the HEALTH West Nile Virus website.