Infected mosquitos could bring viruses through bites. How to protect yourself

We finally get rain, and the little buggers are out in force biting and breeding.

And they could spread West Nile Virus, Eastern equine encephalitis or Jamestown Canyon virus.

In fact, Jamestown Canyon virus was detected in mosquitoes recently collected in Saginaw County, making them the first infected mosquitoes detected for any virus this year, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

“It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause a severe illness,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state’s chief medical executive.

Take the steps you can

But you aren't powerless. Here are ways you can prevent mosquito bites:

• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover your arms and legs.
• Use an insect repellent that contains DEET or other EPA-approved product outside to exposed skin or clothing.
• Avoid areas where mosquitoes are present, if possible.
• Maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around your home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires and other water holding containers where mosquitoes can lay eggs.

More:Tick and mosquito season is coming for Michigan: What to know

The Jamestown Canyon virus

State health officials said the Midwest has seen increasing cases of the Jamestown Canyon virus, which mostly occurs from late spring through mid-fall. Severe illness from the virus is not common, but sickness can develop within a few days to two weeks following a bite from an infected mosquito, they said.

Health officials said the virus can be spread by mosquitoes that become infected when they feed on deer or other animals that have the virus in their blood and then bite people or animals.

Here are some of the initial symptoms to watch for:

• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Some people may have respiratory problems, such as cough, sore throat or runny nose.

In rare cases, the virus can cause severe disease in the brain and/or spinal cord, including encephalitis and meningitis. Symptoms of severe disease can include a stiff neck, confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking or seizures, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The ailment, which the CDC says is underreported, can lead to hospitalization. Deaths associated with the virus infection are rare. The CDC said there are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Jamestown Canyon virus infection.

More:Michigan's 1st West Nile virus case this year found in Oakland County blood donation

It stated as of Tuesday, there were no human disease cases reported for this year for the Jamestown Canyon virus. The CDC said while the virus is found throughout much of the U.S., Minnesota and Wisconsin have reported more than half of all cases.

Other viruses, combat disease spread among animals

Health officials said arboviruses, including West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis, spread when mosquitos contract the virus from biting infected birds then biting a human.

Officials also recommend combating disease spread among animals. Steps include:

• Talking with a veterinarian about vaccinating horses against West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.
• Putting livestock in a barn under fans and bringing pets inside during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn.
• Using an insect repellant on animals that is approved for the species.
• Eliminating standing water, filling in puddles, repairing eaves, changing water in buckets, bowls at least once a day.
• Contact a veterinarian if an animal shows signs of illness.

More:Deadly mosquito-borne JCV virus detected in Michigan's Bay County: How to protect yourself

State officials said residents can hire a mosquito control business, which is required to be licensed to apply pesticides in Michigan.

The businesses must meet certain experience requirements, employ certified pesticide applicators who have passed Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development proficiency examinations and meet financial requirements, including proof of insurance.

For qualified mosquito abatement applicators, got to the state’s list of licensed pesticide applicator businesses.

For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/EmergingDiseases.

Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter: @challreporter.

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