DHHS Identifies Second Jamestown Canyon Virus Case In New Hampshire

Concord, NH -The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced that an adult from Laconia, NH, tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV). This is the second identification in a person in our State this year. This mosquito-borne disease was first identified in a Kingston resident on August 8th. JCV is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. There are no vaccines to prevent JCV.

The arboviral risk level for Laconia will be increased to high. The arboviral risk level indicates the risk of transmission of these infections to people from mosquitoes. The surrounding towns of Belmont, Gilford, Meredith, Tilton and Sanbornton will increase to moderate.

"There are still mosquitos present this time of year that can transmit a variety of infections, including Jamestown Canyon Virus,” said Dr. Benjamin Chan, State Epidemiologist. “It is important for residents and visitors to continue to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”

Jamestown Canyon virus is a mosquito-borne pathogen that circulates widely in North America primarily between deer and mosquitoes but can also infect humans. Reports in humans have been increasing over the last several years. This is New Hampshire’s eighth case of JCV since the first report of the disease in 2013. Most illnesses caused by JCV have been mild, but moderate-to-severe central nervous system involvement has been reported, including fatal infections.

In addition to JCV, risk for infection by Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) will continue to increase until mosquitoes are no longer biting. Biting mosquitoes will continue to be a disease concern until there are two, statewide, hard frosts. Tick bites remain a concern while temperatures are above freezing and ticks are not covered by snow. Residents and visitors to New Hampshire should continue to protect themselves and their family members. Prevention guidelines are included below.

People can be infected and not develop any symptoms, or only develop very mild symptoms for all mosquito-borne diseases. Early symptoms can include flu-like illness including fever, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue. People infected with JCV, EEE, and WNV can develop more serious central nervous system disease, including meningitis or encephalitis. If you or someone you know is experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever and headache, contact your local medical provider.

Anyone with questions about vector-borne illnesses can call the DHHS Division of Public Health Services Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at (603) 271-4496 between 8 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. More information can also be found online at www.cdc.gov.

Prevention Guidelines for Mosquito and Tick Diseases

• Eliminate habitat and breeding locations.
  • Mosquitoes
    • Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Remove outdoor items that hold water (old tires, cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots).
    • Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers, clean roof gutters and ensure proper drainage.
    • If not in use, empty and/or cover swimming pools, wading pools and hot tubs.
    • Turn over wheelbarrows and change water in birdbaths at least twice weekly.
  • Ticks
    • Minimizing areas where hosts for the ticks, such as rodents and deer, can congregate to eat, sleep or feed.
• Be aware of where mosquitoes and ticks live.
  • Weeds, tall grass, and bushes provide an outdoor home for mosquitoes and ticks, alike.
  • Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens in your home that have tears or holes.
  • Resting mosquitoes can often be flushed from indoor resting sites by using sweeping motions under beds, behind bedside tables etc. and once in flight, exterminated prior to sleeping at night.
  • Avoid tick-infested areas. If in tick-infested areas, walk in the center of trails to avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush, and leaf litter at trail edges.
• Protect yourself from bites.
  • When outside, wear protective clothing such as socks, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants (preferably tucked in socks). Light-colored clothing helps you spot ticks.
  • Wear insect repellents, such as one containing 30% or less DEET (N,N-diethyl-methyl-meta-toluamide), Picaridin, para-menthane-diol, IR3535, or 2-undecanone or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Treat clothing with permethrin, ideal for hunters as it is odorless when dry.
  • Vitamin B, ultrasonic devices, incense, and bug zappers have not been shown to be effective in preventing mosquito bites.
  • Shower as soon as possible after spending time outdoors.
  • Check for ticks daily, on you and your pets. Ticks can hide under the armpits, behind the knees, in the hair, and in the groin.
  • Wash and dry clothing after being outdoors. Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed.
  • Early removal of ticks can reduce the risk of infection. Inspect all body surfaces carefully, and remove attached ticks with tweezers. Monitor your health closely after a tick bite and be alert for symptoms of illness. Contact your physician to discuss testing and treatment.