DETROIT — As COVID-19 case numbers are on the rise again in Michigan, another virus has come into the mix: the Jamestown Canyon mosquito-borne virus.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed July 14 that a West Michigan resident has become infected with the virus, which has infected only three other people in Michigan in the last two years.
But Jamestown Canyon has not only been present in Michigan.
In recent years, on a national scale, the CDC reported 181 cases in the U.S. from 2009-2018, with a peak of 58 in 2017. Wisconsin recorded the most (66) over the years.
Here's everything you need to know:
What is it?
The Jamestown Canyon virus is spread through mosquitoes that have fed on deer or other animals with the virus, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The infected mosquitoes spread the virus to humans through bites.
Although the virus can be found all throughout the U.S., the CDC said most cases have been reported in the upper Midwest. The virus is said to be contracted between late spring and mid-fall.
Where does the name originate from?
The virus gets its name after first being identified in 1961 in mosquitoes from Jamestown Canyon, Colorado, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
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What are the health risks?
While many people infected don't become ill, the CDC said, those who develop more severe cases can suffer from infection of the brain (encephalitis) or the lining around the brain (meningitis).
There is currently no vaccine to prevent the virus or medicines to treat Jamestown Canyon virus, the CDC said.
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Symptoms of the virus and its impact in Michigan
Those who fall ill due to the virus could experience headaches, fatigue and a fever as well as respiratory symptoms like a cough, sore throat or runny nose, the CDC said. The symptoms could last from a few days to two weeks.
“During the warm weather months in Michigan, there is always a risk of viruses spread by mosquitoes, including but not limited to West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health.
“This is an important reminder to stay vigilant and protect against mosquito bites throughout the summer and into the fall.”
While the Jamestown Canyon virus is now in Michigan, there are other mosquito-borne illnesses to be aware of as well. Among them: the West Nile virus, which according to Michigan's emerging diseases web page can affect anyone, but is more likely to cause serious illness in people over the age of 60.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is another virus found in Michigan that can affect anyone, but poses a greater risk of severe illness to children and people over the age of 60, according to Michigan's emerging diseases web page. This virus is found in mosquitoes mostly in swamps or bogs. There have not been any cases of EEE in Michigan in 2020.
MDHHS advises the public to do the following to help protect themselves from the Jamestown Canyon virus:
- 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.
Contributing: Wyatte Grantham-Philips, USA TODAY
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