Mosquitoes in Orono have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus.
This is the first group of mosquitoes in Maine to test positive this year for any known virus transmitted by the insects, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Maine CDC identified the first human case of locally-acquired Jamestown Canyon illness in 2017. The first Jamestown Canyon-associated death occurred in 2018.
In 2023, three mosquito test groups were positive for the virus in Maine, but there were no cases reported in humans.
There is no vaccine or other medicine to treat Jamestown Canyon illness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In addition to Jamestown Canyon, mosquitoes in Maine can also spread Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus and West Nile virus, according to Maine CDC. The viruses are rare but can be deadly.
Neither Jamestown Canyon, EEE or West Nile can be spread from person to person or between people and animals.
"Many infected people have no symptoms,” Maine CDC states. “Others experience fever and flu-like illness. Severe symptoms can occur, including encephalitis, meningitis, and even death. If you experience any of these symptoms call your healthcare provider.”
To prevent infection, Maine CDC recommends:
Wearing loose fitting long sleeves and long pants;
Using an EPA-approved repellent on skin and clothing;
Taking extra precautions at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active;
Using screens on windows and doors;
Draining artificial sources of standing water around the home such as bird baths, wheelbarrows, and dog bowls, etc., where mosquitoes can lay eggs;
Taking steps to prevent mosquito bites when traveling
Vaccinate horses against EEE and WNV.