A device used to capture mosquitoes to determine population size and whether the population transmits diseases such as West Nile virus. (July 13, 2021)
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Kent County Health Department Mosquitoes found in testing pool tested positive Jamestown Canyon Virus.
JCV is one of several diseases that can be transmitted from mosquitoes to humans that health department officials monitor routinely each summer. This case was found in Poole in the 49504 ZIP code, which covers parts of northwest Grand Rapids and southeast end Walker.
JCV infection usually causes symptoms such as fever, headache and fatigue. In rare cases, the disease can cause serious health problems such as encephalitis and meningitis, which can be life-threatening.
There is no vaccine or medicine to treat or prevent JCV, so health experts recommend people take proper precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
KCHD recommends several preventative measures, including:
- Use a mosquito repellent that contains 10% to 35% DEET
- Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants
- Stay indoors at dusk
- Removing or updating bird baths, watering pools, and other standing water
- Make sure your window screens are properly sealed.
Latest Data Michigan Department of Health and Human ServicesFriday’s report included five cases of mosquito-borne disease in animals and 17 positive tests in mosquitoes in testing pools.
All five of the animal cases were found in birds. All five are infected with West Nile virus and were found in Delta, Luce, Marquette, Mason and Saginaw counties.
Seven mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus, including Three in Kent as well as one in Bay County and one in St. Clair County.
Ten mosquitoes tested positive for JCV, four in Saginaw County, three in Bay County, One for CalhounDickinson and Kent counties.
So far this summer, no cases of human infection from the mosquito-borne virus have been confirmed.
