PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island man has been diagnosed with a mild form of West Nile virus, the fourth human case of the mosquito-borne virus in the state this year.
State health officials announced the case Thursday. The man is a Washington County resident in his 60s and is now recovering from his illness.
Two Rhode Islanders have so far been diagnosed with West Nile fever, a mild form of the infection. Two others have been diagnosed with meningitis from a West Nile infection.
Five pools of mosquitoes in the state have tested positive for West Nile this season.
Health Department Director Michael Fine says Rhode Islanders should remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites. The threat of mosquito-borne illnesses persists until the first hard frost.
