GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — A dangerous mosquito-borne illness has been detected in part of Kent County following a survey of the mosquito population.
The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) announced the discovery of the Jamestown Canyon virus in mosquitoes in the 40504 ZIP code. The health department said this finding is not a human case.
Jamestown Canyon virus is found throughout the United States but sees most of its cases reported from the upper Midwest, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says.
The illness is spread from mosquitos to humans and is most commonly seen between the months of April and September, KCHD says.
Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache and fatigue. And in severe cases, the virus can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (infection of the brain lining).
Jamestown Canyon virus cannot be prevented by vaccine and no medications can treat it. The best way to protect yourself from the virus is through prevention of mosquito bites.
“Fortunately, the measures that people can take to protect themselves from other mosquito-borne illnesses will work against the Jamestown Canyon virus,” says Brendan Earl, Supervising Sanitarian at KCHD. “With the increase in mosquito activity this time of year, it is good to practice simple and proven steps to prevent mosquito bites.”
KCHD recommends you take the following preventive measures:
- Wear a mosquito repellent that contains at least 10 to 35 percent DEET (read and follow product directions)
- Wear light colored and long-sleeved shirts and pants
- Stay indoors during dusk to reduce your risk of being bitten
- Remove or refresh water in bird baths, children’s wading pools, water bowls for your pets, and empty other small containers that can collect water in your yard
- Ensure window screens are in good repair
You can learn more about preventing the virus here.
