OHIO — The Tuscarawas County Health Department confirmed a 66-year-old man in Uhrichsville tested positive for the mosquito-borne virus La Crosse last week.
What You Need To Know
- It’s the first La Crosse case in the county since 2021, and the first case statewide so far this year
- Symptoms are rare but can occur five to 15 days after a mosquito bite
- Health officials urge residents to take preventative measures
It’s the first La Crosse case in the county since 2021, and the first case statewide so far this year, according to the Ohio Department of Health’s latest update.
“La Crosse virus is rare in Ohio, and we don’t want anyone to panic,” said Katie Seward, Tuscarawas County health commissioner. “We are simply asking Uhrichsville area residents to be careful and talk with their medical providers about any health concerns.”
The Tuscarawas County Health Department said La Crosse is a viral disease that can be spread to people through the Aedes triseriatus, also known as the Eastern treehole, mosquito. Those types of mosquitoes are typically found in woodland/forested environments and are rare in open areas. Like many types of mosquitoes, they lay eggs in pools of water, but in tree holes. They can also lay eggs in man-made, water-holding containers, such as discarded tires.
For animals, this type of mosquito is also a known vector of canine heartworm, which means dogs can get the heartworm parasite.
Symptoms of the virus usually don’t show, but for those who do get symptoms, they typically begin five to 15 days after a mosquito bite. Those symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
Some people can get severe symptoms, such as children less than 16 years old. Those symptoms include:
- Seizures
- Coma
- Paralysis
- A variety of neurologic complications after recovery
Death from the infection is rare, occurring in less than 1% of all cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are no vaccines to prevent the virus, and there are no medicines to treat it. Health officials recommend preventative measures, including:
- Use insect repellent when you go outdoors, and when weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside
- Use your air conditioning, if you have it
- Empty standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths at least every three days
- Fill tree holes with dirt, sand or a pliable insulation cement to prevent mosquito breeding
Health officials have already begun spraying areas where the La Crosse case was confirmed.
For more information on the La Crosse virus, click here.