A study by the state Department of Environmental Management released Monday has shown the presence of the West Nile Virus in mosquito samples collected in Providence and Pawtucket last month.
Two of the samples came from the Smith Hill neighborhood, which includes the area surrounding the State capitol, not far from the University.
Al Gettman, mosquito abatement coordinator for the State Department, said finding the virus in the Ocean State this year is not surprising.
"The West Nile Virus has become very well established in the nation, so picking it up this time of the year is expected," he said.
Since the positive samples were found, over 104 other samples statewide have come back negative for West Nile.
The West Nile Virus, a potentially serious mosquito-transmitted disease found in parts of Africa, western Asia and the Middle East, was first seen in the United States in 1999. Affecting birds and some mammals, including humans, the virus can cause mild flu-like symptoms such as fevers, headaches and stiff necks. In more severe cases, it may lead to encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain; meningitis, an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and the spinal cord; paralysis and even death.
Gettman's team begins surveillance for mosquito-transmitted diseases every year from June to early October, setting up traps across the state for adult mosquitoes and sending them to the state Department of Health for testing.
Though no traps have been set very close to the University, students should not assume that their neighborhood is completely risk-free, Gettman said.
"Just because we pick up the virus in one spot doesn't mean other places don't have it," he said. "One could contract the West Nile Virus anywhere in state, rural or urban (environments)."
In a news release last week, Providence Mayor David Cicilline '83 urged residents to take the necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
"As we continue to work closely with state officials to reduce risk of West Nile in our community, we know that the best line of defense is to ensure that every single resident takes the necessary steps to protect themselves against virus-carrying mosquitoes," Cicilline said.
According to the Center of Disease Control Web site, one in 150 people who contract the virus develops a serious illness. Last year, one human case of West Nile Virus was reported in Rhode Island. No cases have been reported this year as of Sept. 9.
Director of Health Services Edward Wheeler said he cannot remember a West Nile case on campus in the last five years.
He said students should be aware of the virus, use insect repellents and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially when visiting mosquito-infested areas. Students who have been in aquatic areas or places with thick vegetation in the past seven to 10 days and are suffering from mild fevers, headaches or weakness should visit Health Services immediately, Wheeler said.
