LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the detection of the first mosquito-borne virus of 2022 in Michigan. Officials say mosquitoes recently collected in Bay County have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus, or JVC, at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories, marking them as the first infected mosquito pools detected for the year.
Health experts are warning residents that prevention is the best way to protect themselves against JVC and other mosquito-borne illnesses, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile virus.
Jamestown Canyon virus sickened six Michiganders in 2021 along with 46 cases West Nile Virus and one case of EEE, with seven of the WNV cases resulting in death.
The JCV virus is spread to people through bites from infected mosquitoes. Most cases occur from late spring through mid-fall with illness that can develop within a few days to two weeks following a bite from an infected mosquito.
While most people do not become ill, initial symptoms can include fever, headache and fatigue.
In rare cases, it can cause severe disease in the brain and/or spinal cord including encephalitis and meningitis.
While the JCV is found throughout much of the U.S., cases have been increasing in the Midwest.
JCV can be spread by mosquitoes that become infected when they feed on deer or other animals that have the virus in their blood.
Infected mosquitoes spread the virus to other animals or people through bites.
Arboviruses including WNV and EEE spread when mosquitoes contract the virus from biting infected birds then biting a human.
Residents can stay healthy by using simple, effective strategies to protect themselves and their families. The following steps are recommended to avoid mosquito-borne diseases:
- Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other EPA-approved products to exposed skin or clothing. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
- Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
- Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
- Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/EmergingDiseases.
