DHHS Identifies Third Jamestown Canyon Virus Case Of The 2020 Arboviral Season In New Hampshire

Concord, NH – Concord, NH - The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) is announcing that an adult from Dunbarton, NH, tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV). The patient was hospitalized with a fever and headache. They have been discharged and are recovering at home. This is the third detection of JCV in the State this year. JCV is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. There are no vaccines to prevent JCV and treatment consists of supportive care.

The arboviral risk level Adobe Acrobat Reader Symbol for Dunbarton will be increased to high. The arboviral risk level indicates the risk of transmission of these infections to people from mosquitoes. The surrounding town of Weare will increase to moderate. The risk level for the surrounding towns of Hooksett, Hopkinton, and Goffstown will remain moderate. The risk level for the surrounding town of Bow will remain high.

“This is the third detection of Jamestown Canyon Virus infection in our State this year, and the risk for Jamestown Canyon Virus and other mosquito-transmitted viral infections will only increase until there is a mosquito-killing hard frost in the fall,” said Dr. Benjamin Chan, NH State Epidemiologist. “All three of the mosquito-transmitted infections able to be acquired in NH can cause severe neurologic illness, and it remains important for residents and visitors to protect themselves and their families by preventing 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 as recognition and testing for this virus has increased. This is New Hampshire’s twelfth case of JCV since the first report of the disease in the State in 2013. Many illnesses caused by JCV are mild, but moderate-to-severe central nervous system involvement requiring hospitalization have been reported, including fatal infections.

In addition to JCV, risk for infection in NH by Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) and West Nile Virus (WNV) will continue to increase through the summer and fall until mosquitoes are no longer biting. Residents of 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 of the mosquito-borne diseases present in New Hampshire. Early symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue. More serious central nervous system disease, including meningitis or encephalitis can occur with these diseases. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, including fever and headache, contact your local medical provider.

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