West Nile Virus Spreads in Rhode Island and Massachusetts Mosquitoes

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has detected West Nile Virus in a mosquito sample collected from Westerly, marking the first case of the virus in the state this year. Residents are urged to help control mosquito populations by eliminating larval habitats and being aware of the Asian Tiger Mosquito, a daytime biter with a distinctive black and white pattern. Connecticut and Massachusetts have also reported positive cases of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes, while no cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis have been found yet. Horse owners are advised to vaccinate their animals early in the season.