6 children hospitalized in Knox County due to mosquito-borne virus La Crosse

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ( WATE ) — Six children in Knox County have been hospitalized after contracting the La Crosse virus in the past nine weeks, according to the Knox County Health Department.

“This is the highest number of cases reported in Knox County since 2020 and the mosquito season is still ongoing,” KCHD stated in a news release. “All current cases are among children under age 12.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the La Crosse virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. According to KCHD, the infection does not cause symptoms in most people. Symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting if they develop. Rarely, people may develop severe disease, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

“Severe disease occurs most often in children under 16 years old. Most severe cases require hospitalization but will recover with supportive care. However, up to 15% of cases can have major neurologic complications,” wrote KCHD.

To prevent mosquito bites, as the season is ongoing as late summer sets in, KCHD advises the following steps:

• Use insect repellents.
  • Treat clothing with repellents such as permethrin.
• Wear long-sleeve shirts and pants if working in grassy areas and cover strollers/baby carriers with mosquito netting.
• Control the mosquito population in your yard by reducing standing water on the property.
  • Once a week, turn over items that hold water, such as swings, buckets, toys, and flowerpot saucers.

KCHD also said to seek emergency care if parents or caregivers notice any new neurological issue in their child.

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