Key points
- Jamestown Canyon virus spreads to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
- Symptoms can include fever, headache, and fatigue, but disease can also be more severe.
- No vaccines or medicines are available to prevent or treat Jamestown Canyon virus disease (Jamestown Canyon).
- Reduce your risk by preventing mosquito bites.
Overview
Jamestown Canyon is a disease caused by a virus spread by infected mosquitoes. Jamestown Canyon virus is found throughout much of the United States, but most cases are reported from the upper Midwest. Cases occur from late spring through mid-fall.
Symptoms
Fever, headache, and fatigue are common symptoms of Jamestown Canyon. Jamestown Canyon virus can cause severe disease, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
How it spreads
Jamestown Canyon virus spreads to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
Prevention
No vaccines or medicines are available to prevent Jamestown Canyon. Reduce your risk of infection by preventing mosquito bites.
Testing and diagnosis
See your healthcare provider if you have symptoms after being exposed to mosquitoes in an area where Jamestown Canyon virus spreads.
Treatment
No medicines are available to treat Jamestown Canyon. Antibiotics do not treat viruses. Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain medications may relieve some symptoms. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.
For healthcare providers: Treatment and Prevention of Jamestown Canyon Virus Disease
Personal stories
Janeen’s story: Mosquitoes, ticks, and a weakened immune system
B cell-depleting therapy helped Janeen's father Steve enjoy his favorite pastimes—gardening and spending time with his family—while living with rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment also weakened his immune system and increased his risk of serious illness from viruses spread through mosquito and tick bites.
Sadly, Steve passed away shortly after being diagnosed with severe West Nile virus disease. His family shares his story and offers practical tips for protecting people with weakened immune systems.
This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.
The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.