Who’s in charge around here, the people or the mosquitoes?

The recent announcement of Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) being found in mosquitoes in the Eldred area might make folks wonder. So far this year, there’s been no report of West Nile virus found in McKean County, but one infected mosquito has been found in Elk County.

“The mosquitoes that carry JCV prefer woodland pool habitats and floodplains,” explained Tom Decker, a spokesman for the Department of Environmental Protection. “The virus cannot be transmitted from humans to mosquitoes — it can be transmitted from ungulates like deer and elk to mosquitoes, which can go on to bite humans; however, the threat is low.”

While no other mosquito-borne viruses have been reported locally, there are many more illnesses the insects can carry: eastern equine encephalitis, La Crosse encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, Dengue virus, Chikungunya virus and Zika virus, according to the Department of Environmental Protection.

The DEP and the McKean County Commissioners have partnered to spray for mosquitoes in areas where the concentration is usually heavy.

Mosquito control and personal safety are important. On the DEP website, pa.gov/agencies/dep, under Programs and Services, Integration, Vector Management, there is a section on mosquitoes and a booklet on “A Guide To Homeowner Mosquito Control.”  In it, there are recommendations for removing breeding habitats for mosquitoes, like plant saucers, tires, buckets — anything that would hold stagnant water.

Decker spoke of personal protection, too.

“DEP recommends the same precautions for all types of mosquitoes — use insect repellent (containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon or eucalyptus) and/or long sleeves and pants if you will be outside when mosquitoes are active, especially at dawn and dusk,” he said. “Most people who contract JCV won’t show any symptoms; those who do should contact their medical care provider for guidance. More extreme symptoms of JCV are similar to West Nile Virus.”

According to the DEP, JCV can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and is passed to people from the bite of infected mosquitoes. It was first discovered in Jamestown Canyon, Colo., in 1961. An average of 23 people are affected annually in the United States, with most cases occurring in the upper Midwest states.

There was one reported case of JCV human illness in Pennsylvania in 2013, and one positive horse in 2014. JCV was first detected in mosquitoes in Pennsylvania in 2023. The virus is spread only by mosquitoes, and not by coughing, sneezing or contact with someone who

is infected.

The mosquito species involved in JCV transmission differ from the species involved in West Nile virus transmission and are aggressive biters. Mosquito species involved in JCV transmission are typically associated with flooding events. In nature, JCV is maintained in deer, elk

and other ungulates.

Many people infected with JCV do not have symptoms. For people with symptoms, the time

from infection to feeling sick ranges from a few days to 2 weeks. Initial symptoms are mild and flu-like but can develop to severe with stiff neck, difficulty speaking, loss of coordination, confusion or seizures.

Jamestown Canyon virus can cause severe disease, including infection of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). About half of patients reported with symptomatic JCV disease are hospitalized. Deaths associated with JCV infection are rare.

There is no cure or vaccine, nor do antibiotics have any effect on JCV. Treatments such as rest, fluid intake and over-the-counter pain medications are used to treat symptoms. Patients with severe symptoms can be hospitalized to receive support for hydration, pain medication and nursing care.