Public health officials in Ohio have confirmed a positive test for La Crosse virus in a mosquito sample collected in Tuscarawas County, according to the Tuscarawas County Health Department and the Ohio Department of Health.
Tuscarawas County Finding and Regional Surveillance
The Tuscarawas County Health Department received notification that a mosquito sample tested positive for the La Crosse virus. State health data shows that Ohio records more human cases of La Crosse virus than any other state, averaging about 20 cases a year.
Understanding La Crosse Virus Transmission and Symptoms
The primary vector for the La Crosse virus is the Eastern treehole mosquito, an aggressive daytime biter commonly found in wooded areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people infected with the virus do not develop symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. In rare cases, the virus causes encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, a severe complication that occurs most often in children younger than 16.
Prevention Strategies and Community Guidance
Because some mosquito species, including the one that carries La Crosse virus, bite during daylight hours, health officials urge residents to guard against bites throughout the day, not just at dusk. Recommended protective measures include:
- Wearing long pants and long sleeves when possible.
- Applying insect repellents containing picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535, all recommended by the CDC.
- Dumping standing water around the home weekly to eliminate breeding sites.
To assist with vector control, health agencies such as the Ross County Health District make mosquito larvicide tablets available to residents for treating standing water that cannot be drained. Residents can contact their local health department offices for specific guidance on vector control resources and local trap surveillance data.
Related reading