According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are only a few things folks in Maine should fear when it comes to mosquito bites.

"Infected mosquitoes can spread three viruses in Maine: JCV, Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE), and West Nile virus (WNV). Although rare, these diseases can have severe and even fatal consequences."

frank600/Getty Image
frank600/Getty Image
loading...

JCV stands for Jamestown Canyon Virus. Although JCV often presents with a headache, fatigue, and fever, in some cases however, the virus can cause worrisome and severe reactions like meningitis or encephalitis.

WWMJ Ellsworth Maine logo
Get our free mobile app

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services says the CDC  has confirmed a group of mosquitos collected in a test pool from the Orono area, came back positive for the Jamestown Canyon Virus recently. However, it has not yet been detected in humans in the state, and there's no guarantee it will be.

"In 2023, three mosquito pools tested positive for JCV in Maine. There were no reported human cases of JCV in Maine last year."

Ildar Abulkhanov
Ildar Abulkhanov
loading...

Experts say that as simple as it sounds, the best defense against contracting insect-borne illnesses is to prevent bugs from biting you in the first place. And your best bet, in this case, is to wear mosquito repellent.

It's also recommended that you wear clothing that covers your skin (long sleeves, hats, etc.) and to use screens in your windows, if you're going to keep them open.

Mosquito
manode
loading...

Getting rid of any areas where standing water might collect and bugs breed will cut down on the number of batches that hatch, as well.

If you have questions about viruses transmitted by bugs, feel free to contact the CDC by clicking here.

Plant Some Of These In Your Garden to Keep Mosquitoes Away

As we previously told you, mosquitoes are the most dangerous creatures on earth. If you want to keep them away from you're yard, these plants can help!

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

LOOK: 20 of the biggest insects in the world

Stacker compiled a list of 20 of the biggest insects in the world using a variety of news, scientific, and other sources.

Gallery Credit: Andrea Vale

LOOK: 11 tick-borne illnesses and what to watch out for during your outdoor adventures

Stacker compiled a list of 11 common tick-borne diseases in the U.S. and what symptoms to watch out for, using a variety of medical and government sources. 

Gallery Credit: Martha Sandoval

More From WWMJ Ellsworth Maine