The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department says Jamestown Canyon virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected in Lincoln, prompting officials to remind residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites during the summer months.
The virus was first identified in Nebraska in 2024. Health officials say there have been no human cases of Jamestown Canyon virus reported in Lancaster County and no human cases reported anywhere in the United States so far this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Our first detection of JCV in local mosquitoes was in 2024 so this finding was not unexpected,” said Chris Schroeder, Environmental Health Supervisor. “With the recent detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes and now JCV through ongoing surveillance and testing, we advise residents to keep taking precautions against mosquito bites. We expect to see an increase in mosquito activity as we head further into summer.”
Jamestown Canyon virus is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Most people who become infected never develop symptoms. Those who do may experience fever, headache and fatigue. In some cases, the virus can lead to serious illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis. According to the CDC, about half of reported patients with the virus require hospitalization, although deaths are rare.
The Health Department recommends residents:
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone.
- Avoid spending time outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks when outdoors.
Health officials also encourage homeowners to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed by emptying containers that collect rainwater, changing birdbath water weekly, maintaining swimming pools and garden ponds, clearing drainage areas and storing items such as tires and buckets where they cannot collect water.
Residents with questions about mosquito-borne diseases, mosquito control or standing water can contact the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department at 402-441-8002.