JVC identified in mosquitos in Atkinson, Hampstead, DHHS says

On Aug 23, 2022

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services reported they have identified the first batches of mosquitos this year to test positive for the Jamestown Canyon virus. Health officials said the first positive batch was collected in Atkinson on Aug 2. and the second positive batch was collected in Hampstead on Aug. 4.”Showing up mostly late summer, that seems to be when we see our rising numbers usually first at mosquito pools, but sometimes occasionally people, but it does seem to be a virus that we have more often in late summer here in New Hampshire,” said Dr. Alex Granok, infectious disease physician.No cases have been found in people yet.The risk that a mosquito will transmit infections to a person in Atkinson and Hampstead is low, according to officials. Typically, symptoms are mild and can include fever, headache and fatigue, but JCV can be deadly in some cases and there is no vaccine to treat it. “(We) really figure out that someone might have this virus is when they have more severe symptoms like confusion, seizures. These are signs of encephalitis which all emphasize only a small number of people who catch this virus actually get,” Granok said.The CDC says on average, 16 cases are reported in the United States each year, and there is significant under-diagnosis and under-reporting of less severe cases.”Try to avoid being outdoors when the mosquitoes are more active. Some mosquitoes tend to be feeding at dawn and dusk, some tend to feed at night,” Granok said. “If you do go outside during those hours use a good insect repellent, I usually recommend DEET because it works.”Health officials suggest eliminating the habitat and breeding locations of mosquitos, like standing water, and protecting yourself from bites by sealing holes in doors or windows, wearing protective clothing and avoiding outdoor activities in early morning or evening. There have been 19 cases of JCV in the state since the first case of the disease was reported in 2013.

CONCORD, N.H. —

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services reported they have identified the first batches of mosquitos this year to test positive for the Jamestown Canyon virus.

Health officials said the first positive batch was collected in Atkinson on Aug 2. and the second positive batch was collected in Hampstead on Aug. 4.

“Showing up mostly late summer, that seems to be when we see our rising numbers usually first at mosquito pools, but sometimes occasionally people, but it does seem to be a virus that we have more often in late summer here in New Hampshire,” said Dr. Alex Granok, infectious disease physician.

No cases have been found in people yet.

The risk that a mosquito will transmit infections to a person in Atkinson and Hampstead is low, according to officials.

Typically, symptoms are mild and can include fever, headache and fatigue, but JCV can be deadly in some cases and there is no vaccine to treat it.

“(We) really figure out that someone might have this virus is when they have more severe symptoms like confusion, seizures. These are signs of encephalitis which all emphasize only a small number of people who catch this virus actually get,” Granok said.

The CDC says on average, 16 cases are reported in the United States each year, and there is significant under-diagnosis and under-reporting of less severe cases.

“Try to avoid being outdoors when the mosquitoes are more active. Some mosquitoes tend to be feeding at dawn and dusk, some tend to feed at night,” Granok said. “If you do go outside during those hours use a good insect repellent, I usually recommend DEET because it works.”

Health officials suggest eliminating the habitat and breeding locations of mosquitos, like standing water, and protecting yourself from bites by sealing holes in doors or windows, wearing protective clothing and avoiding outdoor activities in early morning or evening.

There have been 19 cases of JCV in the state since the first case of the disease was reported in 2013.