A Sussex County man in his 60s tested positive for the Jamestown Canyon virus, the first human case of the mosquito-borne illness in New Jersey in six years, Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced Wednesday.
The man developed a fever and neurological symptoms in May, the announcement said.
“Spending time outdoors, whether walking, gardening, or playing with our dogs, is a good way to maintain physical and mental health, but it is important to take steps to prevent mosquito and tick bites, which are responsible for several diseases in New Jersey” Persichilli’s announcement said.
“When enjoying the outdoors, remember to use an EPA-registered insect repellent, cover skin with clothing when you can, and check yourself and your pets for ticks and quickly remove them with tweezers.”
The last human case of virus was detected in 2015, also from a man who lived in Sussex County, the announcement said.
This map shows the number of Jamestown Canyon virus cases reported in each state from 2010 to 2019. The numbers do not include cases from 2020 or 2021.CDC
An average of 15 Jamestown Canyon virus cases are reported every year, according to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. The virus has been detected throughout the country, but most of the cases have been found in Minnesota and Wisconsin, according to the CDC.
Five fatalities were reported from 2010 to 2019, according to the CDC website.
For more information on diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks, visit the Department of Health’s web page https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/vectorborne.shtml
NJ Advance Media staff writer Len Melisurgo contributed to this report.