Jamestown Canyon Virus Found in Mosquitoes Around Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) has announced that they have found the Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) in mosquitoes taken from the Lincoln area. They urge residents to take certain precautions.

The first case of the virus in Nebraska was found a few years ago.

“Our first detection of JCV in local mosquitoes was in 2024 so this finding was not unexpected,” said Chris Schroeder, Environmental Health Supervisor. “With the recent detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes and now JCV through ongoing surveillance and testing, we advise residents to keep taking precautions against mosquito bites. We expect to see an increase in mosquito activity as we head further into summer.”

The LLCHD said that although there has not been any human cases of the virus this year, it is important to take certain precautions. Avoiding mosquito bites by wearing insect repellant and limiting outdoor activities will help with the spread of the virus.

According to the LLCHD, those affected by the JCV rarely become sick. For people who do, a fever, headache and fatigue are most commonly seen. The LLCHD said deaths associated with the virus are rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).