GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (AP) — An uncommon mosquito-borne virus has infected a person in western Michigan’s Ottawa County.
The case of Jamestown Canyon virus is only the fourth confirmed infection in Michigan since 2018.
Most people don’t become ill, but the virus can cause fever, headache and fatigue, the state health department said. It can cause infection of the brain in rare cases.
“During the warm weather months in Michigan, there is always a risk of viruses spread by mosquitoes, including but not limited to West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state’s chief medical executive.
“This is an important reminder to stay vigilant and protect against mosquito bites throughout the summer and into the fall,” she said.
People are urged to use insect repellents and wear pants and long-sleeve shirts at certain times of the day.