About Jamestown Canyon Virus
Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) is spread to people by infected mosquitoes. The virus is found throughout much of the United States, but most cases are reported from the upper Midwest. Cases occur from late spring through mid-fall.
Fever, headache, and fatigue are common symptoms with Jamestown Canyon. Jamestown Canyon can cause severe disease, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Jamestown Canyon. Reduce your risk of infection by preventing mosquito bites.
How is Jamestown Canyon virus spread to humans?
Jamestown Canyon virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Jamestown Canyon virus can be spread by many types of mosquitoes, depending on location and time of year.
Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on deer and other animals that have the virus in their blood. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to people and other animals by biting them. People do not develop high enough levels of the virus in their blood to infect mosquitoes and further spread the disease. As a result, people are considered "dead-end" hosts for Jamestown Canyon virus.
Jamestown Canyon virus is not spread by coughing, sneezing, touching, or other contact with someone who is infected.
Signs & Symptoms of Jamestown Canyon virus
Many people infected with Jamestown Canyon virus do not have symptoms. For people with symptoms, the time from mosquito bite to feeling sick (incubation period) ranges from a few days to 2 weeks.
- Initial symptoms can include fever, fatigue, and headache.
- Some people also have respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, or runny nose.
- Jamestown Canyon virus can cause severe disease, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
- Symptoms of severe disease can include stiff neck, confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, or seizures.
- About half of patients reported with Jamestown Canyon are hospitalized.
- Deaths associated with Jamestown Canyon are rare.
Jamestown Canyon virus Treatment
- There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Jamestown Canyon. Antibiotics do not treat viruses.
- Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain medications may relieve some symptoms.
- In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.
For more information on Jamestown Canyon virus, contact your local health department or call the DHHS Office of Epidemiology at (402) 471-2937.
Additional Resources