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The Madison County Health Department in Wampsville has issued an alert after detecting the Jamestown Canyon encephalitis virus in mosquitoes collected from a trap in the Town of Sullivan. According to the Madison County Public Health, the virus is spread to humans through mosquito bites and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
While many infected individuals may not exhibit symptoms, those who do can experience fever, fatigue, and headache within a few days to two weeks. In rare cases, the virus can lead to severe conditions such as encephalitis or meningitis, characterized by symptoms like a stiff neck, confusion, and seizures. Most people recover from the virus, but severe cases may require hospitalization.
The detection of the virus serves as a reminder of the presence of mosquito-borne diseases in the area. Residents are urged to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. The health department emphasizes that there is no vaccine for the virus, so prevention is key.
No human cases have been reported in Madison County, but the health department advises anyone experiencing symptoms to contact their doctor immediately. For more information, residents can visit the Madison County Public Health website or call 315-366-2361.