Through routine mosquito surveillance, the Kent County Health Department has detected the presence of Jamestown Canyon virus, also known as JCV, in mosquito samples collected from Grand Rapids ZIP code 49504.
This marks the second mosquito-borne virus detected in the county this summer after West Nile virus was found in samples collected from Grand Rapids as well as Wyoming ZIP code 49519.
This is the first detection of JCV in the county since 2024, though no human cases of either virus have been identified.
While most people infected with JCV experience no symptoms, about half who become symptomatic are hospitalized with fever, fatigue, and headaches. More severe illnesses include encephalitis or meningitis.
The health department recommends residents use insect repellent with 10-35% DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants, eliminating standing water around their home, and avoiding outdoor activities during dawn and dusk.
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