OHIO, United States: An Ohio sixth-grader was diagnosed with La Crosse virus after developing severe headaches, fever, slurred speech and seizures, his mother told WBNS-TV.
Summer Rose said her son Evan first became ill after starting sixth grade this fall. His symptoms worsened over several days and eventually led to five hospital visits within three weeks.
Doctors initially diagnosed him with laryngitis and prescribed antibiotics, Rose said. A later spinal tap led to the La Crosse virus diagnosis.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says infected mosquitoes spread La Crosse virus. Early symptoms can include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
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Severe illness can include encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, and occurs most often in children under 16, according to the CDC.
Rose said Evan developed encephalitis and may require speech therapy as he recovers. The Ohio Department of Health says La Crosse virus is endemic in the state.
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Ohio reports about 20 human cases a year on average, more than any other U.S. state, according to the department. Rose said she shared her family’s experience to raise awareness among other parents.
The CDC says no vaccine is available to prevent La Crosse virus infection and advises reducing mosquito bites to lower the risk.
