RI Resident Gets Jamestown Canyon Virus From Mosquito

WASHINGTON COUNTY, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Health confirmed a human case of Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV), following a mosquito bite.

Laboratory testing confirming the diagnosis was conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). State health officials said the person who tested positive was a resident of Washington County.

Officials said the man was in his 50s and developed neurological symptoms, but he's now recovering.

JCV is a mosquito-borne pathogen that can be found widely in North America, especially in the Midwest and Northeast United States. The virus circulates primarily between deer and mosquitoes, but can also infect humans. Human cases can occur from late spring through mid-fall.

People can be infected and not develop any symptoms, or only develop very mild symptoms. Early symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue. Rarely, more serious central nervous system disease, including meningitis or encephalitis, can occur.