2023-09-12 19:27:00
A 2018 study found that more than 20% of people living in Nova Scotia, Canada, had antibodies to the virus REUTERS/Edgar Su
MONDAY, Sept. 11, 2023 (HealthDay News) — You’ve probably heard of West Nile virus, but mosquitoes also transmit other diseases, including the little-known Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV), which is gaining attention across the United States.
For example, health officials in Connecticut have identified mosquitoes carrying JCV in 12 locations in the state. Although there have been no confirmed human cases of the disease there this year, scientists are watching it closely as it is affecting more people across the United States. “Over the past six years, we have seen an increase in the number of reported cases.” of the disease,” said Stacey Martin, an epidemiologist at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, “this could be due to increased awareness of the disease and more testing.” In rare cases, JCV can cause serious illness, including infection of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Martin warned. However, “we are finding that most people exposed to JCV do not develop symptoms. “We also know that many people with mild symptoms, such as fever, fatigue and headache, may not seek medical attention,” he added. In comparison, while an average of 17 cases of JCV are reported annually, thousands of cases of the virus are reported. of West Nile on average, Martin noted. But because the consequences are occasionally severe and the number of cases appears to be growing, JCV is another reason to try to avoid mosquito bites, experts say. “We need to continue looking at the data JCV disease surveillance to identify possible trends,” Martin said. In the United States, cases are most frequently reported from Minnesota and Wisconsin, he noted. The virus was named for the area in Colorado where it was first identified. It has been present for many years and is found in almost every state in the US and also in Canada. A 2018 study found that more than 20% of people living in Nova Scotia, Canada, had antibodies to the virus , meaning they had been infected at some point in their lives. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most cases occur from late spring to mid-fall. JCV It lives in deer and mice and can be transmitted to mosquitoes when they bite these animals. It spreads to people when mosquitoes bite us, said Dr. Bruce Hirsch, an infectious disease specialist at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. Hirsch said you shouldn’t worry if you are bitten by an insect carrying the virus, as “In very, very occasional and very, very rare cases it causes serious health problems,” he said. “Most of us who have been in contact with this virus don’t even know it,” Hirsch said. “Occasionally, it can cause fever. It can cause a headache, and more serious adverse effects, which are rare, would include meningitis and occasionally encephalitis, the most serious adverse effect of the Jamestown Canyon virus,” he said. “Fortunately, this is very, very unusual.” Encephalitis is rarely fatal, but it can have long-term consequences, specifically thinking problems that can last for some time, Hirsch said. Encephalitis can also cause a stiff neck and seizures. There is no treatment for Jamestown Canyon virus, and there is no vaccine to prevent it, Hirsch added. Treatment is supportive only, with the goal of keeping the patient comfortable and preventing seizures. There are steps you can take to avoid infection. To prevent exposure to JCV and other mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis, use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when go outside, Martin said. This is especially important at dusk and dawn, when mosquito activity is at its peak. Also, be aware of any standing water, which is where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Once a week, the CDC recommends that you empty or throw away any objects that contain water, such as vases and pot plates. You should also tightly cover water storage containers, such as rain barrels, or cover them with fine mesh. More information For more information about the Jamestown Canyon virus, see the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. SOURCES: Stacey Martin, MSc, epidemiologist, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Bruce Hirsch, MD, infectious disease specialist, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY
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