Jamestown Canyon Virus: About
Jamestown Canyon is an illness spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is currently unknown which types of mosquitoes spread Jamestown Canyon virus in Wisconsin.
Jamestown Canyon virus is most commonly reported in Wisconsin and Minnesota, but there has been an increased number of human cases reported in other states in the Upper Midwest and Northeast. The virus is relatively rare in Wisconsin, but recently there has been an increase in cases.
Anyone can get Jamestown Canyon, but people who spend more time outdoors are at a higher risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes are usually active in Wisconsin from May to October, but the risk of Jamestown Canyon virus is highest during June through September.
Mosquitoes can be found in areas with standing water, which they need to breed. It is important to remove standing water sources, such as containers, leaves, and yard debris, to reduce breeding habitats in your yard. For more tips, please visit our Mosquito Bite Prevention page.
Jamestown Canyon virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
- There may be many different animals that are able to spread Jamestown Canyon virus to mosquitoes virus, but mosquitoes most likely become infected by feeding on infected mammals, such as white-tailed deer.
- After feeding on an animal that has Jamestown Canyon, the virus may end up inside of the mosquito.
- Once it has the virus, a mosquito can spread the virus to other mammals, including humans, when they take another blood meal.
- Mosquitoes are usually most active in Wisconsin during the summer months, into the fall.
- Few mosquitoes actually carry the virus, but it is important to take prevention measures when spending time outside.
Jamestown Canyon is preventable. Visit our Mosquito Bite Prevention page to learn how to prevent mosquito bites.
Symptoms can show up two to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Most people who are infected with Jamestown Canyon virus never develop obvious signs of infection. Others may develop mild symptoms like fever, fatigue, and headache. Infection with the virus can lead to severe illness, including neurological symptoms, but this is rare. Severe illness is more likely to develop in the elderly or in people with compromised immune systems. Death from an infection with Jamestown Canyon is rare, but has been documented. If you have had Jamestown Canyon, you cannot get it again.
Mild signs and symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Joint pain
Severe signs and symptoms:
- Meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain and surrounding tissues)
- Increasing lethargy
- Altered mental status
- Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord)
- Severe headache
- Neck stiffness
There is currently no treatment or vaccine for Jamestown Canyon. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be given to relieve symptoms. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment. If you believe you or a family member may have Jamestown Canyon, contact your doctor immediately.
Department of Health Services resources
- Jamestown Canyon Virus Fact Sheet, P-02452: Educational fact sheet for the general public on Jamestown Canyon Virus covering signs and symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
- Protecting Your Family From Mosquitoes and Ticks, P-02080 (PDF): Fact sheet with simple steps you can take to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resources
Mosquito Bites Are Bad: An educational activity book for kids about preventing illnesses spread by mosquitoes.
Partner resources
- Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Disease Mosquitoes: Information on mosquitoes you may find in the Midwest and prevention resources.
- Wisconsin Mosquitoes and Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Information on mosquitoes and diseases they spread from our partners at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical Entomology Laboratory.
Jamestown Canyon is preventable. Visit our Mosquito Bite Prevention page to learn how to protect yourself from Jamestown Canyon and other illnesses spread by mosquitoes.
Questions about illnesses spread by mosquitoes? Contact us!
Phone: 608-267-9003 | Fax: 608-261-4976