Ohio is seeing an unusually high number of La Crosse virus cases this year, a mosquito-borne illness that mostly affects children under 16.
So far, the Ohio Department of Health has reported 40 human cases, roughly double the state’s usual yearly total.
The virus is carried by a specific type of mosquito that prefers wooded areas and bites during the day, called the eastern treehole mosquito. While most infections don’t cause symptoms, children who do get sick may experience fever, headache, nausea, or inflammation of the brain or its surrounding layers.
What Families Should Know
Nationwide Children’s infectious disease physician Dr. Chris Ouellette told NBC4 that while the numbers are higher than usual, the cases are still within the range the state has seen historically. “Most children fully recover without lasting physical effects,” he noted.
Because there is no vaccine or direct treatment, doctors stress that preventing mosquito bites is the best way to stay safe. That means using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when possible, and minimizing time spent in mosquito-prone areas.
