Rare Virus Discovered in Omaha Area

(July 19, 2024)

A rare virus transmitted by mosquitos has been identified in Douglas County.

Samples from a mosquito pool collected at Cunningham Lake on June 25 were found to have the Jamestown Canyon virus after testing 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. Humans are considered "dead-end" hosts and cannot spread the virus to mosquitoes that bite them, and it is not transmitted person-to-person. The virus is part of the California serogroup of viruses, including California Encephalitis and the La Cross viruses. There are no confirmed human cases this year in the United States.

While rare, JVC can cause a range of symptoms, from a flu-like illness with fever to severe neurologic conditions such as meningitis or meningoencephalitis. The incubation period is typically 2-14 days after a mosquito bite. About half of all cases require hospitalization, but deaths are rare. Since there is no cure, treatment consists of treating symptoms until a sick individual recovers. Those most at risk of exposure to JVC are outdoor workers or anyone participating in outdoor activities.

People are encouraged to take preventive measures to reduce mosquito bites, including the use of repellants containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus; wearing long sleeves and pants; ensuring windows and doors have screens to keep out mosquitoes, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed. People should speak to their healthca