PICKAWAY COUNTY, Ohio — Reports of La Crosse virus have surfaced in both Pickaway and Ross counties, according to information provided to Sciotopost by two individuals whose children recently tested positive for the mosquito-borne illness.
The reports come as local health officials continue to monitor mosquito-borne diseases across the region.
Last week, Ross County officials confirmed that two mosquito pools had tested positive for West Nile virus. Those findings marked the first reported West Nile-positive mosquito pools in the county this season.
However, the Ross County mosquito surveillance results reported last week did not include La Crosse virus.
Sciotopost has now been contacted by two individuals who say their children tested positive for La Crosse virus. One report involves a child in Pickaway County, while the other involves a child in Ross County.
La Crosse virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Children are particularly susceptible to developing more serious illness, although most people infected with the virus experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
Symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and weakness. In more serious cases, particularly among children, the infection can develop into encephalitis or meningitis.
Sciotopost has contacted local health officials seeking confirmation of the reported cases and additional information about mosquito surveillance and testing in both counties.
Officials have not indicated that the reported La Crosse cases are connected to the West Nile-positive mosquito pools previously identified in Ross County.
Residents can reduce their risk of mosquito-borne illnesses by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when mosquitoes are active, and eliminating standing water around homes where mosquitoes can breed.
Sciotopost will update this story as additional information becomes available from local health officials.
