West Michigan Health Alert: Mosquitoes Carry Potentially Deadly Virus

Summer in Michigan means that all of the bugs come out to play, and this year, Michiganders need to be on the lookout for a potentially deadly mosquito found in Kalamazoo County.

Recently, the Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department discovered a "pool" of mosquitoes carrying a virus that could be deadly to humans.

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Jamestown Canyon Virus Found in Mosquitoes in Kalamazoo County

According to a release, the county's Environmental Health Division regularly tests mosquitoes to test for various viruses, such as West Nile.

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While West Nile wasn't detected, a different virus was. Officials say that some of the mosquitoes in the pool tested positive for Jamestown Canyon Virus. While the virus is pretty common across the country, it's important to be aware of the symptoms.

What is Jamestown Canyon Virus?

Jamestown Canyon Virus can be spread to humans through mosquitoes. There is no vaccine for it. Oftentimes, humans who contract the virus don't even exhibit any symptoms.

However, it can cause symptoms that include fever, fatigue, and headaches. In some cases, the virus can be deadly, causing inflammation of the brain or infection of the lining around the brain.

How to Avoid Getting Jamestown Canyon Virus

The easiest way to avoid contracting Jamestown Canyon Virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes (easier said than done, right?)

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The best ways to reduce your risk of being bitten, according to the CDC, are to use bug spray, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, stay inside when mosquitoes are most active, and make sure that you don't have any standing water around.