NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — The risk level for West Nile virus in Rhode Island is now considered high statewide.
The R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and R.I. Department of Health announced that the virus was found in mosquito samples collected in Cranston, East Providence and Johnston on Aug. 18.
The mosquito samples showed no signs of other mosquito-borne diseases, such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Jamestown Canyon Virus.
In Massachusetts, the city of New Bedford warned the community that a mosquito collected at Buttonwood Park tested positive for West Nile virus.
While the risk level in New Bedford is considered moderate, the city is advising people to wear long sleeves, pants and mosquito repellent between dusk and dawn.
The city noted that the Bristol