(WWJ) – Health officials in Michigan are issuing a warning after mosquitoes collected in Saginaw County tested positive for Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV).
These are the first infected mosquitoes for any virus in 2023 anywhere in the state, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The virus is spread to people through bites from infected mosquitoes, with most cases occurring from late spring through mid-fall, according to MDHHS.
Health officials say illness from JCV can develop anywhere between a few days to two weeks following a bite from an infected mosquito. While most people don’t fall 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.
MDHHS officials say the best way for people to protect themselves against JCV and other mosquito-borne illnesses – like eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV) – is to prevent mosquito bites.
And the best ways to prevent mosquito bites, health officials say, include:
• 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 and other water-holding containers where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
While the current dry weather conditions have limited the number of biting mosquitoes, spring mosquitoes that emerged in early May are still active in portions of the state, especially in areas with large tracts of woodland habitat, according to the MDHHS.
One Michigander was sickened by JCV last year, while there were six in 2021, officials said. There were also 12 reported cases of West Nile in 2022.
“It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause a severe illness,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “We urge Michiganders to take precautions, such as using an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors, avoiding areas where mosquitoes are present if possible and wearing clothing to cover arms and legs to prevent bites.”
More information on Jamestown Canyon Virus and how to protect against mosquitoes can be found on the MDHHS website.
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