Adrian, MI – Michiganders are being urged to take precautions against mosquito bites as mosquitos recently collected in Saginaw County have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories.
These are the first infected mosquitos detected for any virus for 2023. Residents are reminded that the best way to protect themselves against mosquito-borne illnesses is to prevent mosquito bites.
The JCV virus is spread to people through bites from infected mosquitos. While most people do not become ill, initial symptoms can include fever, headache and fatigue. In rare cases, it can cause severe disease in the brain and/or spinal cord.
The following steps are recommended to avoid mosquito-borne diseases:
- Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
- Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
- Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires and other water-holding containers where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
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