EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Islanders are urged to continue protecting themselves against mosquito bites after West Nile virus was detected in three towns.

The R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced Friday that mosquitoes collected from traps set last week in North Kingstown, South Kingstown and Tiverton tested positive for the virus.

It's been an active mosquito season, according to the DEM. West Nile has been detected six times so far in Rhode Island, while eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has been found 17 times. The state also reported a human case of West Nile from Providence County in mid-August.

Both viruses have been detected dozens of times in neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut.

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne illness, but only about one in five people who are infected actually get sick. However, in rare cases — about 1 in 150, according to health officials — the patient can develop severe, sometimes fatal illness.

To help prevent mosquito bites, people can limit their time outdoors during peak mosquito activity hours (from dusk until dawn), use bug spray, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and mosquito-proof their homes and yards by removing standing water and putting up screens.

Sports leagues and other outdoor activities are advised to practice "smart scheduling" to reduce the risk of exposure. That entails moving events indoors or rescheduling them outside of peak biting hours.

Some school districts in Massachusetts have adjusted their outdoor sports schedules to help protect student athletes.