An Ottawa county resident was confirmed Tuesday as the first Michigander infected with a mosquito-borne virus this year.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Ottawa County Health Department issued a notice marking the first case of the Jamestown Canyon virus, which is transmitted to people through bites from infected mosquitoes. While most people don’t get sick, according to the publication, the disease can cause serious reactions in rare cases, including infection of the brain or the lining around the brain and spinal cord.
Michigan reported its first two cases of the Jamestown Canyon virus in 2018 among patients in Oakland and Menominee counties. Another case was detected in a person from Cass County last year.
Most cases occur from late spring to mid-fall, according to the statement. The disease can develop from a few days to two weeks after a mosquito bite, and initial symptoms can include fever, headache and fatigue, according to the statement.
“During the warm weather months in Michigan, there is always a risk that mosquitoes will spread viruses, including but not limited to West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis.” said Chief Medical Director Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “This is an important reminder to stay alert and protect yourself from mosquito bites throughout the summer and into the fall.”
The virus can be transmitted from deer or other animals to mosquitoes. Infected mosquitoes can transmit the virus to other animals or people through bites.
Residents can stay healthy using the following steps recommended by state officials:
- Apply insect repellents containing the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-approved products to exposed skin or clothing. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and light-colored long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
- Keep windows and doors protected to help keep mosquitoes out.
- Empty water from mosquito breeding grounds around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires, or similar places where mosquitoes lay eggs.
For more information and surveillance activities on West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne viruses, visit www.michigan.gov/westnilevirus.
