WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – Health officials said mosquitoes that were collected in Washtenaw County have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus.
The Washtenaw County Health Department collected a sample of a mosquito pool on June 12 in the Whitmore Lake area and received the results in July.
There have been no human cases reported in Washtenaw County or in Michigan so far in 2025. Previously, there have been seven Michiganders sickened in 2024, four in 2023, one in 2022 and six in 2021.
The last reported case in Washtenaw County was in 2022.
“Unfortunately, mosquitoes can spread disease,” said Kristen Schweighoefer, MPH, RS, environmental health director with Washtenaw County Health Department. “The Health Department collects and identifies mosquitoes and ticks during the summer months to help understand local and statewide risk of disease transmission.”
What to know about Jamestown Canyon virus
The virus can spread to people through bites from infected mosquitoes. Illnesses can develop within a few days to two weeks following a bite from an infected mosquito.
Most people infected with the Jamestown Canyon virus do not become ill or experience only mild illness, according to health officials. However, infection can become serious in rare cases.
While most people do not become ill, the health department said that people can experience symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue.
In rare cases, health officials said it can cause severe disease in the brain and/or spinal cord, including encephalitis and meningitis.
The health department advises people to use appropriate repellent, wear protective clothing and avoid areas with mosquito activity, if possible.
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