Rhode Island health officials announced the state's first human West Nile virus case of 2026 on Oct. 8 and said the infection was likely acquired outside Rhode Island.
The health and environmental agencies' announcement said the Washington County resident had traveled to an area with active transmission. Symptoms began in early September, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed positive testing the week before the announcement.
Officials said Oct. 8 that the person was recovering in the hospital and expected to be released soon.
The agencies lowered statewide West Nile risk to low because mosquito populations have declined seasonally. They said a low risk remains until the entire state experiences a hard frost, defined as three consecutive hours below 32 degrees.
Mosquito trapping and testing have ended for the 2026 season. The release links to prevention guidance and surveillance totals.