A common mosquito-borne disease that spreads to people who are bitten by these infected mosquitoes is called Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV). In most cases, this infection does not cause any symptoms. However, some people may experience flu-like symptoms. In rare cases, JCV may cause a severe infection, which is considered a medical emergency. Without immediate treatment, it may lead to serious and even life-threatening complications.
The name of this condition comes from the location where the virus was discovered for the first time in 1961. It is known as Jamestown, Colorado.
This viral infection occurs quite rarely. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), between 2012 and 2021, there were 267 reports of the virus, mostly in Wisconsin and Minnesota. There were also 32 cases of the virus reported in Jamestown Canyon in 2021. Experts believe that there are a lot of undiagnosed and unreported cases due to a lack of awareness and testing. Moreover, the symptoms of this viral infection can be mistaken for other common infections.
Types of Jamestown Canyon Virus
This virus is an arbovirus that spreads to people by insects (such as ticks and mosquitoes). However, Lyme disease spreads through tick bites, and it is a bacterial infection and not an arbovirus. Check some examples of other arboviral illnesses below:
- La Crosse encephalitis
- Powassan virus
- West Nile virus
- Zika virus
- RMSF (Rocky Mountain spotted fever)
- Chikungunya
- Dengue fever
What Are The Symptoms of Jamestown Canyon Virus?
People who get this virus often experience flu-like symptoms. Check some examples below:
- Chills
- Fever
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Headaches
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Runny and stuffy nose
- Pharyngitis (sore throat)
People with weakened immune systems or older adults may develop a severe form of the infection and experience the following symptoms. These include:
- Seizures
- Neck stiffness
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- Loss of coordination
- Confusion
- Difficulty moving and speaking
Immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) if any of the previous symptoms occur because they may indicate meningitis or encephalitis, which require immediate treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors
This infection occurs due to a virus that people get through mosquito bites. It often spreads in the following way:
- Small germs infect mammals (such as deer or bison) and produce many copies of themselves.
- Mosquitoes get infected with the virus when they feed on infected animals (in most cases, white-tailed deer).
- Thereafter, the mosquitoes bite humans.
- When the infected saliva of the mosquito enters the blood, it infects you.
In any case, this virus is not contagious, which means it cannot spread from one person to another.
While anyone may get this virus, doctors have identified some factors that may attract certain species of mosquitoes. For example:
- Produce more carbon dioxide (CO2) and lactic acid
- Certain blood types – For instance, a 2004 study suggested type O may attract certain species of mosquitoes.
- Wear dark clothing
- You have a particular odor (including smelly feet or perfume)
How to Prevent Jamestown Canyon Virus?
The best way to prevent this infection is to avoid mosquito bites. That’s why you should take extra precautions when you are outdoors or travel to areas where the virus is common. These include:
- Do not travel to areas with active infections
- Repair any holes and tears and install screens in windows and doors
- Stay inside at peak mosquito hours (most of the time, dusk and dawn)
- Remove sources of standing water
- Sleep inside or under netting
- Treat outdoor gear (including camping supplies and clothing with insecticide Permethrin)
- Cover exposed skin with appropriate outdoor clothing (such as long-sleeve shirts and pants)
- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent on clothing.
Diagnosis
First, doctors will perform a physical examination and may ask some questions about recent activities (such as travel) and symptoms. Most of the time, doctors perform a blood test (including an antibody test). It includes a virus-specific immunoglobulin test, or IgM test. It helps detect antibodies that are produced by the immune system to protect you against the virus. Sometimes, doctors are not sure you have JCV and may perform additional tests. Check some of them below:
- Spinal tap (also known as a lumbar puncture)
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- PRNT (plaque reduction neutralization test)
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test
Treatment
Usually, those who do not have any symptoms do not need treatment. If you experience mild to moderate symptoms, doctors may recommend the following treatment options. These include:
- Drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers
- Rest
When a person has a severe form of JCV, he/she may need to be hospitalized. The affected people will receive IV (intravenous) fluids, medicines, and monitoring. In general, there is no specific treatment for JCV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jamestown Canyon virus contagious?
No, Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) is not spread directly from person to person. People usually become infected after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus.
How do people get Jamestown Canyon virus?
People get JCV when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes generally become infected after feeding on infected animals, particularly white-tailed deer, and can then transmit it to humans through their bites.
What are the first symptoms of Jamestown Canyon virus?
Many people with JCV have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, cough, dizziness, and a sore throat.
Can Jamestown Canyon virus cause encephalitis or meningitis?
Although uncommon, JCV can cause neuroinvasive disease, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord). These complications can cause severe symptoms and require immediate medical attention.
Who is at greater risk of severe Jamestown Canyon virus infection?
Older adults and people with weakened immune systems may have a higher risk of developing severe or neuroinvasive illness. However, serious complications can occur in other people as well.
How is Jamestown Canyon virus diagnosed?
Doctors may diagnose JCV using laboratory tests, particularly blood tests that look for antibodies against the virus. Depending on a person’s symptoms, doctors may also use tests such as a lumbar puncture, MRI, PRNT, or RT-PCR.
Is there a vaccine for Jamestown Canyon virus?
Currently, there is no routinely available vaccine specifically designed to prevent Jamestown Canyon virus infection. Preventing mosquito bites is the primary way to reduce the risk of infection.
How is Jamestown Canyon virus treated?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for JCV. Mild illness is generally managed with supportive care, such as rest, adequate fluids, and appropriate over-the-counter medicines for symptoms. People with severe illness may need hospitalization and supportive treatments such as intravenous fluids and close monitoring.
How can I protect myself from Jamestown Canyon virus?
The most effective prevention method is avoiding mosquito bites. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves and long pants, use screens on windows and doors, remove standing water around your home, and consider mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in areas without adequate protection.
When should I seek emergency care for Jamestown Canyon virus symptoms?
Seek emergency medical care if symptoms suggest that the infection may have affected the nervous system. Severe headache, neck stiffness, seizures, confusion, sensitivity to light, loss of coordination, or difficulty moving or speaking can be signs of encephalitis or meningitis and require immediate evaluation. Do not hesitate to see a doctor if you have any other questions.
