A Granite Stater has died after contracting Jamestown Canyon virus, a mosquito-borne infection that has been present in New Hampshire since at least 2013, health officials said Friday.The victim was an adult from Dublin, New Hampshire, who was hospitalized with worsening neurological symptoms before dying, officials said. Jamestown Canyon virus was identified as a contributing cause of the person’s death.This was the first known case of the virus in a person in New Hampshire this season.”Jamestown Canyon Virus and the other mosquito-borne infections can cause serious illness,” said Dr. Benjamin Chan, the state epidemiologist. “As summer progresses into fall, the risk from mosquito-transmitted infections is expected to increase. So, residents and visitors to New Hampshire should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, especially as people are encouraged to spend more time outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic.”Health officials said arboviral risk level — which measures the risk of mosquito-borne diseases transmitting to people — has been increased to high in Dublin because of the infection. The surrounding towns of Harrisville, Peterborough, Jaffrey and Marlborough were increased to moderate risk.Officials said the virus typically spreads between deer and mosquitoes, but it can also infect humans. This was New Hampshire’s 15th case of the virus in a human since 2013. Most cases are mild, but the virus can cause neurological symptoms and death in rare cases.There are no vaccines for the virus, and care consists of treating symptoms to keep the person comfortable.Health officials said Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus are also present in the state and are spread by mosquitoes. Most people experience no or mild symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. They can also cause more serious illness, including meningitis or encephalitis.Anyone experiencing such symptoms, including fever and headache, should contact a medical provider.
CONCORD, N.H. —
A Granite Stater has died after contracting Jamestown Canyon virus, a mosquito-borne infection that has been present in New Hampshire since at least 2013, health officials said Friday.
The victim was an adult from Dublin, New Hampshire, who was hospitalized with worsening neurological symptoms before dying, officials said. Jamestown Canyon virus was identified as a contributing cause of the person’s death.
This was the first known case of the virus in a person in New Hampshire this season.
“Jamestown Canyon Virus and the other mosquito-borne infections can cause serious illness,” said Dr. Benjamin Chan, the state epidemiologist. “As summer progresses into fall, the risk from mosquito-transmitted infections is expected to increase. So, residents and visitors to New Hampshire should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, especially as people are encouraged to spend more time outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Health officials said arboviral risk level — which measures the risk of mosquito-borne diseases transmitting to people — has been increased to high in Dublin because of the infection. The surrounding towns of Harrisville, Peterborough, Jaffrey and Marlborough were increased to moderate risk.
Officials said the virus typically spreads between deer and mosquitoes, but it can also infect humans. This was New Hampshire’s 15th case of the virus in a human since 2013. Most cases are mild, but the virus can cause neurological symptoms and death in rare cases.
There are no vaccines for the virus, and care consists of treating symptoms to keep the person comfortable.
Health officials said Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus are also present in the state and are spread by mosquitoes. Most people experience no or mild symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. They can also cause more serious illness, including meningitis or encephalitis.
Anyone experiencing such symptoms, including fever and headache, should contact a medical provider.