By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is announcing that an adult from Loudon, NH, tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV). The person was hospitalized with neurological symptoms, has since been discharged and is recovering at home. This is the first detection of a mosquito-borne disease 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.

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“In addition to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are other infectious disease threats to New Hampshire residents, including from mosquito and tick bites. Jamestown Canyon Virus is one of the infections that is able to be transmitted by mosquito bites in New Hampshire,” said Dr. Benjamin Chan, State Epidemiologist. “When people are out of their homes, they should continue to take steps to not only protect themselves and others from COVID-19, but also protect themselves from mosquito and tick 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 tenth 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.

Officials say the arboviral risk level for Loudon 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 Gilmanton, Chichester, Canterbury, Barnstead, Pembroke, Pittsfield, Concord, Northfield, and Belmont will increase to moderate.