Rhode Island DEM: Jamestown Canyon Virus detected in Tiverton, West Nile Virus found in multiple communities

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and Rhode Island Department of Health have confirmed Jamestown Canyon Virus has been detected in Tiverton along with additional detections of West Nile Virus. The WNV virus was found in mosquito samples collected by DEM in Cranston, East Providence, North Providence, and Woonsocket on July 27th and tested by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories. The other mosquito samples collected statewide showed no signs of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus.

Jamestown Canyon Virus is a mosquito-borne disease widely in North America, especially in the Midwest and Northeast United States. The virus circulates primarily between deer and mosquitoes but can also infect humans. People can be infected and not develop any symptoms or may experience flu-like symptoms. Rarely, more serious central nervous system diseases, including meningitis or encephalitis, can occur. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat JCV in people. Rhode Island’s risk level for WNV remains high statewide. WNV is the main mosquito-borne disease in the US. While most people with WNV don’t get sick, about one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. For more information about WNV, visit www.health.ri.gov/wnv.  

To learn ways to prevent mosquito bites and the diseases carried by mosquitoes, please visit health.ri.gov/mosquito. For mosquito control info, visit dem.ri.gov/mosquito.