State identifies second Jamestown Canyon virus case in NH

CONCORD — The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has identified a second case of Jamestown Canyon virus in an adult from Goffstown. The first human case of JCV in New Hampshire this season was confirmed in mid-August in Hanover.

Jamestown Canyon virus is a mosquito-borne pathogen that circulates widely in North America primarily between deer and a variety of mosquito species, but it can also infect humans. Reports of Jamestown Canyon virus in humans are rare and most reported illnesses caused by Jamestown Canyon virus have been mild, but moderate-to-severe central nervous system involvement has been reported. It is likely that this case was acquired in New Hampshire, but due to recent travel, location of exposure is not certain.

“As we head into the fall, it’s important for people to remember that mosquito-borne diseases like Jamestown Canyon Virus are still a risk in New Hampshire," said state Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan. "We want residents and visitors to continue to enjoy the outdoors, but they should take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites as long as mosquitoes are still around.”

Until the second hard frost of the season, residents and visitors to New Hampshire should continue to protect themselves and their family members from mosquito-borne diseases by using an effective mosquito repellant that contains 30 percent DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and removing standing water from around your home so mosquitoes do not have a place to breed. Repellents with picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products also provide protection against mosquito bites. A hard frost is defined as two consecutive hours of temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

Anyone with questions about arboviral diseases can call the New Hampshire Bureau if Infectious Disease Control at 603-271-4496. More information is available on the DHHS website at www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/documents/jamestown-canyon-virus.pdf and on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov.