Jamestown Canyon virus detected in Lincoln mosquitoes

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department said Wednesday it detected Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) in mosquitoes in Lincoln. It’s a relatively new virus to be detected in Nebraska. The first case was identified in 2024.

The health department said it hasn’t identified any human cases of JCV in Lancaster County, and no human cases have been reported in the U.S. so far this year. But with the recent detections of West Nile virus also in Lincoln, health officials are warning people to stay vigilant when outside.

“This finding was not unexpected,” Environmental Health Supervisor Chris Schroeder said. “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.”

Similarly to West Nile, JCV can spread to people by infected mosquitoes, but the health department said many people with JCV do not become sick. When symptoms do occur, they typically experience coming down with a fever, a headache and tiredness. The virus can also cause serious illnesses like encephalitis or meningitis. Cases of death from the virus are rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A human case of West Nile was reported in north-central Nebraska in late June.

The health department recommends people taking the following precautions to avoid mosquito bites:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent when spending time outside.
• Limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks when outside.

People can take the following precautions to reduce mosquito breeding around their homes:

• Dump small wading pools daily, and maintain swimming pools properly
• Clear debris, weeds and litter from drainage ways.
• Change water in birdbaths weekly and pet bowls daily.
• Store tires, buckets and containers where they can’t collect water.
• Fill low spots in yards.
• Maintain garden ponds and fountains, and always keep water flowing.