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Second Powassan case of 2026 confirmed; RI health officials urge precautions to reduce tick exposure

  • Alexander Castro

Rhode Island health officials confirmed Thursday the state’s second case of Powassan virus, a rare tickborne illness that can cause fatal encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. A Newport County man in his 70s tested positive for the virus after experiencing symptoms in late July, the Rhode Island Department of Health confirmed. State health officials […]

States Newsroom

West Nile risk level rises in Rhode Island as virus found in more mosquitoes

  • Alexander Castro

Five mosquito pools collected in Providence County tested positive for West Nile virus last week, bringing Rhode Island’s total to seven positive samples this summer. The latest findings in East Providence, North Providence and Providence led state officials to bump up the statewide West Nile risk level to “high,” according to a joint announcement issued […]

Louisiana

Cyclospora boosts fears that worse foodborne outbreaks are ahead

  • Kate Wells, KFF Health News, Stephanie Armour, KFF Health News

Food safety leaders across the U.S. are raising alarms over federal cuts they say have made it harder to detect and stop the spread of foodborne illnesses, such as the recent outbreaks of cyclospora, which has sickened thousands in dozens of states. And they’re especially worried the next pathogen will be much more deadly.