CALHOUN COUNTY, MI (WNWN/WTVB) – Local health officials are urging Calhoun County residents to take precautions against mosquito bites as mosquitos collected in the county on Thursday, May 23, have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories.
The Calhoun County Public Health Department says these are the first infected mosquitos detected in Calhoun County for 2024.
Residents are reminded that the best way to protect themselves against JCV and other mosquito-borne illnesses, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile virus, is to prevent mosquito bites.
Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET or other EPA approved products to exposed skin or clothing. 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 mosquitos outside. Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires and
JCV is spread to people through bites from infected mosquitos. Most cases occur from late spring through mid-fall. Illness 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.
JCV cases have been increasing in the Midwest. It can be spread by mosquitos that become infected when they feed on deer or other animals that have the virus in their blood.
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