WAMPSVILLE — Madison County Public Health announced this year’s mosquito surveillance findings to date. In the past week, one mosquito pool detected Flanders Virus and Highlands J Virus while another mosquito pool also detected the Flanders Virus. Also identified earlier this season were Flanders Virus and Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV).
Flanders Virus and Highlands J Virus are not known to cause disease in humans; however, the identification of Flanders Virus may be an early predictor of West Nile Virus spread in mosquito populations. JCV can spread to people from the bite of an infected mosquito. Many people infected with JCV do not have symptoms and do not get sick.
For people who get sick, symptoms may include: fever, fatigue, headache, cough and sore throat. In rare cases, JCV may cause severe disease. Madison County Public Health collects and tests mosquitoes for viruses as part of its mosquito surveillance and control program.
The presence of viruses is a reminder for everyone to take steps to protect from mosquito bites during outdoor activities: Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks. Apply insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaradin, oil or lemon eucalyptus, and other products approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against mosquitoes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe effective use.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET when used on children..