Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: October 30, 2003
Contact: Robert J. Marshall Jr., Ph.D. 401-222-1017

HEALTH Reports Human Case of West Nile Virus; Rhode Islanders Urged to Avoid Mosquito Bites During Warm Weekend

Today, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) announced confirmation of one additional human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) for 2003. The case of viral encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain caused by WNV, occurred in a female adult from Providence County. The patient is receiving active medical treatment. Exposure to WNV-infected mosquitoes occurred sometime in early to mid-October with a 3 to 15 day period between exposure and the onset of illness on October 20.

This report brings to six the number of human WNV cases reported in RI during 2003. The previous five cases occurred among adults living in Providence County (4 cases) and Newport County (1 case).

"We are getting close to the end of the mosquito-biting season, but expect a warm weekend," said Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH, Director of the RI Department of Health. "A high proportion of the remaining mosquitoes are infected with WNV and EEE and may continue to bite. We urge the public to continue the using cover-up clothing and insect repellent—especially children walking outdoors around dusk for "trick-or-treat."

Due to the expected warm weekend weather, HEALTH sent out an advisory to school nurse teachers and school nurses urging school children and parents to use personal protective measures and avoid mosquito bites.

As of October 29, 2003, the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 7718 human cases of WNV with 166 deaths occurred nationwide during 2003. Onset of illness generally ranges from early July to the end of season, usually in late October or when the first hard frost occurs. 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 website at www.HEALTH.ri.gov