Mosquito-borne virus JCV confirmed in Douglas County lake
About half of Jamestown Canyon Virus cases require hospitalization, but it’s rarely fatal.
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - A mosquito-borne virus called the Jamestown Canyon Virus, or JCV, has been confirmed for the first time in Nebraska.
Douglas County officials told 6 News the virus was detected on June 25 after samples from a mosquito pool were collected at Cunningham Lake by the Nebraska Public Health Lab.
The virus was first identified in Colorado in 1961. The virus is usually transmitted to humans through the bites of mosquitoes that have bitten infected white-tailed deer.
Health officials said if you get the virus, you will not spread it back to mosquitoes or to other people. However, the virus can cause a range of flu-like symptoms.
“Headache, fever, extreme fatigue, some people get respiratory symptoms and a sore throat,” Douglas County Health Director Dr. Lindsay Huse said. “It can be relatively mild with those sorts of symptoms or something serious like neurological diseases.”
Dr. Huse said the time between being affected and noticing symptoms is typically two to 14 days. Half of all cases require hospitalization, but the chance of dying from JCV is rare.
Those who are impacted the most are people who work outside or spend a large amount of time outside. If you plan to be outside, you can stay safe by wearing a mosquito repellent or long sleeves and pants.
And, if you’re inside, make sure you have windows and doors with screens to keep the bugs out. Dr. Huse also recommends eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
Copyright 2024 WOWT. All rights reserved.
