Residents Could Get Infected By Mosquito-Borne Virus Found In Michigan

With the summer time in full effect, getting bitten by a mosquito is inevitable. However, some mosquitoes are carrying a virus that can infect people.

Have you heard of the Jamestown Canyon virus?

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What Is The Jamestown Canyon Virus?

Spread by infected mosquitos, the Jamestown Canyon virus typically occurs from April through September.

As for common symptoms of the Jamestown Canyon virus, you can experience a fever, headache, and fatigue.

While this symptom is rare, the virus can cause a brain infection (encephalitis) or infection of the brain lining (meningitis).

As of now, there are no vaccines or medications to prevent or treat this infection.

Where Was The Jamestown Canyon Found In West Michigan?

The Kent County Health Department has detected that mosquitos in our area are carrying the Jamestown Canyon virus.

These health officials were surveying the 49504 area when they discovered the virus. The 49504 area includes the cities of Grand Rapids and Walker.

According to the Kent County Health Department's Facebook post, this is NOT a human case. However, this warning is to be a reminder to stay alert around mosquitoes, especially if you are bitten by one.

What Should You Do To Prevent Getting Bit By An Infected Mosquito?

The Kent County Health Department has shared a few tips and tricks that you should follow as preventive measures.

You should wear a mosquito repellent that has at least 10 to 35 percent DEET. Sounds like you need to go stock up on RAID or another mosquito repellent.

The health department also recommends wearing light-colored and long-sleeved shirts and pants. With the way this hot weather is acting in Grand Rapids, I believe it will be a tad bit hard to implement this one.

To continue with the preventive measures, if you can stay indoors during dusk, it will help to reduce the risk of being bitten.

If you have a bird bath, a children's wading pool, pet water bowls, or any container collecting water in your yard, you may want to remove or simply refresh them. You should also make sure your window screens are in good condition so you are not letting critters in.

For more information, you can read the health department's press release.