Key points
- There is no specific treatment for Jamestown Canyon virus disease. Clinical management is supportive.
- Monitor patients with neuroinvasive disease closely for severe complications.
- Counsel patients about using personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites.
Treatment
Treatment of Jamestown Canyon virus disease is supportive only. Patients with severe meningeal symptoms often require pain control for headaches and antiemetic therapy and rehydration for associated nausea and vomiting. Patients with encephalitis require close monitoring for the development of elevated intracranial pressure, seizures, and inability to protect their airway.
Prevention
No Jamestown Canyon virus vaccines are available for use in humans. In the absence of a vaccine, prevention of Jamestown Canyon virus infection depends on personal protective measures to decrease exposure to infected mosquitoes. This includes using EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, treating clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin, and taking steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors. More information about reducing exposure to mosquito bites is available on the CDC Mosquitoes website.
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