Officials Warning: Mosquito-Borne Virus Found in Saginaw County

While most of us regularly take precautions to avoid getting bitten by mosquitos, officials say it's especially important now that a mosquito-borne virus has been discovered in Saginaw County.

The Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV) was recently found in two samples collected by the Saginaw County Mosquito Abatement Commission.

What is the Jamestown Canyon Virus?

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, the Jamestown Canyon Virus can be spread to humans by infected mosquitos.

The symptoms can include fever, headache, and fatigue, but the disease can also be more severe. In extreme cases, the virus can cause severe diseases including encephalitis.

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Bill Stanuszek is the director of the Saginaw County Mosquito Abatement Commission. He tells WNEM-TV 5 that while the risk of catching the virus is relatively low, people are advised to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

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Michigan Residents Sickened by Jamestown Canyon Virus

In the past, the Jamestown Canyon Virus has sickened six Michigan residents in 2021, one in 2022, and four in 2023.

So far, no residents have been affected in 2024.

A Lot of Water This Season Leads to More Mosquitos

Stanuszek notes that a particularly wet spring and unusually warm temperatures have led to an abundance of mosquitos.

He notes that removing standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitos.

"Look around your yard for that standing water and get rid of that," Stanuszek says. "We do tire recycling or collection here, so if you got scrap tires at home give us a call and you can bring them here or drop them off."