Rhode Island has confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus of 2026 in a Washington County resident in their 60s. The Rhode Island Department of Health announced the case Oct. 8, saying the person developed symptoms in early September, has been recovering in the hospital, and is expected to be released soon.
The infection was most likely acquired outside Rhode Island. Health officials said the person had traveled to an area with active West Nile virus transmission but did not name the location. Testing was confirmed the previous week by the CDC.