Ohio Leads the Nation in La Crosse Virus Cases, Health Officials Warn
Ohio is currently leading the nation in La Crosse virus cases, a mosquito-borne illness that primarily affects children under the age of 16, according to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).
“This has been a particularly active year,” said Dr. Chris Ouellette, an Infectious Disease Physician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “While we are seeing more cases than usual, this trend is consistent with historical patterns when looking over a longer period.”
So far, 40 human cases of the La Crosse virus have been reported in Ohio this year, twice the average annual number typically recorded in the state. Most of the cases have been concentrated in central and southeastern Ohio, as well as in Appalachian regions, where the mosquito species that spreads the virus thrives.
Dr. Ouellette said Nationwide Children’s Hospital has treated over 20 cases in the past year. “That’s within the range of what we’ve seen before,” he noted.
The La Crosse virus is spread by a specific type of mosquito found in wooded or shaded areas and is known to bite during the daytime. Because the illness is not transmitted from person to person, doctors stress that prevention through mosquito protection is the most effective defense.
“The best protection starts with mosquito repellent,” Dr. Ouellette advised. “Use repellents on exposed skin and wear long-sleeved clothing to minimize bites.”
Most people infected with the virus do not show symptoms, but when symptoms appear, they usually develop within five to fifteen days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
“The virus can cause inflammation of the brain and the membranes surrounding it,” Ouellette said. “Typical symptoms include fever, headache, and nausea.”
Despite sounding alarming, most children recover fully without lasting health effects. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for the La Crosse virus, so mosquito bite prevention remains the best protection.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely as Ohio remains the leading state for La Crosse virus infections this year.
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