Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: https://www.nj.gov/health/news/2021/approved/20210623a.shtml
Jamestown Canyon Virus Identified in Sussex County
A Sussex County resident in his 60s tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) after an onset of fever and neurological symptoms in May. This is the first detection of a mosquito-borne disease in the State this year and only the second human case of JCV reported in New Jersey (the first case was in 2015, also in Sussex County). JCV is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. There are no vaccines to prevent JCV and treatment consists of supportive care. JCV has not been detected in mosquitoes yet this season but has been detected in previous years.
“Spending time outdoors, whether walking, gardening, or playing with our dogs, is a good way to maintain physical and mental health, but it is important to take steps to prevent mosquito and tick bites, which are responsible for several diseases in New Jersey” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “When enjoying the outdoors, remember to use an EPA-registered insect repellent, cover skin with clothing when you can, and check yourself and your pets for ticks and quickly remove them with tweezers.”
Jamestown Canyon virus circulates widely in North America primarily between deer and mosquitoes but can also infect humans. Reports in humans have been increasing over the last several years as recognition and testing for this virus has increased. Many illnesses caused by JCV are mild, but moderate-to-severe central nervous system involvement requiring hospitalization have been reported, including fatal infections. NJDOH can assist healthcare providers with testing for Jamestown Canyon virus.
Many people infected with mosquito and tickborne diseases may not develop any symptoms, or only develop very mild symptoms. Early symptoms can include flu-like illness including fever, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue, which may be confused with other illnesses, including COVID-19. Some mosquito and tickborne infections can also cause more serious central nervous system disease, including meningitis or encephalitis (e.g., Eastern Equine encephalitis, Jamestown Canyon virus, Powassan, West Nile virus). “If you or someone you know is experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever and headache, contact your healthcare provider and let them know if you suspect a mosquito or tickborne illness,” said Commissioner Persichilli.
In addition to JCV, New Jersey residents are also at risk for other mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), which are generally seen in summer and early fall until mosquitoes are no longer biting.
“The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Mosquito Control and Coordination works closely with the Department of Health and county mosquito control agencies to monitor and reduce mosquito populations and limit potential public health risks as much as possible,” said DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “New Jersey residents can help to reduce these risks by taking steps to eliminate standing water on the grounds of their homes and businesses. Checking flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers and other places that hold water can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites and the illnesses they can carry. Having taken these steps, if you still notice a mosquito problem around your home, reach out to your county mosquito control program for assistance.”
As people are susceptible to mosquito-borne disease, they can also cause severe illness and death in horses. “The Department of Agriculture encourages animal owners to be vigilant in vaccinating their animals against diseases spread by mosquitoes. Vaccinated animals are much less likely to contract deadly diseases such as Eastern Equine encephalitis and West Nile virus,” said Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher...
Jamestown Canyon Virus Identified in Sussex County
A Sussex County resident in his 60s tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) after an onset of fever and neurological symptoms in May. This is the first detection of a mosquito-borne disease in the State this year and only the second human case of JCV reported in New Jersey (the first case was in 2015, also in Sussex County). JCV is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. There are no vaccines to prevent JCV and treatment consists of supportive care. JCV has not been detected in mosquitoes yet this season but has been detected in previous years.
“Spending time outdoors, whether walking, gardening, or playing with our dogs, is a good way to maintain physical and mental health, but it is important to take steps to prevent mosquito and tick bites, which are responsible for several diseases in New Jersey” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “When enjoying the outdoors, remember to use an EPA-registered insect repellent, cover skin with clothing when you can, and check yourself and your pets for ticks and quickly remove them with tweezers.”
Jamestown Canyon virus circulates widely in North America primarily between deer and mosquitoes but can also infect humans. Reports in humans have been increasing over the last several years as recognition and testing for this virus has increased. Many illnesses caused by JCV are mild, but moderate-to-severe central nervous system involvement requiring hospitalization have been reported, including fatal infections. NJDOH can assist healthcare providers with testing for Jamestown Canyon virus.
Many people infected with mosquito and tickborne diseases may not develop any symptoms, or only develop very mild symptoms. Early symptoms can include flu-like illness including fever, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue, which may be confused with other illnesses, including COVID-19. Some mosquito and tickborne infections can also cause more serious central nervous system disease, including meningitis or encephalitis (e.g., Eastern Equine encephalitis, Jamestown Canyon virus, Powassan, West Nile virus). “If you or someone you know is experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever and headache, contact your healthcare provider and let them know if you suspect a mosquito or tickborne illness,” said Commissioner Persichilli.
In addition to JCV, New Jersey residents are also at risk for other mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), which are generally seen in summer and early fall until mosquitoes are no longer biting.
“The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Mosquito Control and Coordination works closely with the Department of Health and county mosquito control agencies to monitor and reduce mosquito populations and limit potential public health risks as much as possible,” said DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “New Jersey residents can help to reduce these risks by taking steps to eliminate standing water on the grounds of their homes and businesses. Checking flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers and other places that hold water can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites and the illnesses they can carry. Having taken these steps, if you still notice a mosquito problem around your home, reach out to your county mosquito control program for assistance.”
As people are susceptible to mosquito-borne disease, they can also cause severe illness and death in horses. “The Department of Agriculture encourages animal owners to be vigilant in vaccinating their animals against diseases spread by mosquitoes. Vaccinated animals are much less likely to contract deadly diseases such as Eastern Equine encephalitis and West Nile virus,” said Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher...