NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — Health officials say a Newport County man has been diagnosed as the year's first human case of West Nile virus in Rhode Island.
The state Department of Health said the man, in his 50s, was diagnosed with West Nile fever on Aug. 28 after developing symptoms three days earlier. He has recovered.
Symptoms of West Nile fever include fever, headache, tiredness and body aches, sometimes with a skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
Three pools of mosquitoes in Rhode Island have tested positive for West Nile virus this year. Another three tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis.
Health Director Michael Fine urged people who spend a lot of time outdoors to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
Health officials in Massachusetts confirmed the diagnosis because the man was treated there.
