The Tuscarawas County Health Department has confirmed the county’s second suspected human case of La Crosse virus this year, along with its first mosquito sample to test positive for the disease, officials announced Tuesday.
The latest human case involves a 62-year-old man from Goshen Township who was initially hospitalized but is now recovering at home, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
Health officials also reported that a mosquito sample collected on July 18 at Union Cemetery in Port Washington tested positive for the virus. In response, the Tuscarawas County Health Department plans to conduct mosquito spraying in the Village of Port Washington and Goshen Township from 8 to 11 p.m. Thursday, July 31. Spraying will be postponed if weather conditions are unfavorable.
Residents with respiratory conditions are urged to stay indoors during the spraying period. Those wishing to opt out of mosquito control efforts can submit no-spray requests by calling the TCHD Bureau of Environmental Health Services at (330) 343-5550 or emailing eh@tchdnow.org.
“We continue to ask residents not to panic,” said Health Commissioner Katie Seward, MPH. “With two cases of La Crosse virus among county residents, we encourage all Tuscarawas County residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and talk with their medical providers about any health concerns.”
La Crosse virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Eastern tree hole mosquitoes (Aedes triseriatus), typically found in wooded areas and known to breed in both natural and man-made containers of standing water. These mosquitoes are also capable of spreading canine heartworm.
Most people infected with the virus experience no symptoms, but those who do may suffer from fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and lethargy within five to 15 days of a bite, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Severe cases, usually affecting children under 16, may involve seizures, coma, paralysis, or other long-term neurological issues. Fatalities are rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases.
There is currently no vaccine or antiviral treatment for La Crosse virus. Health officials emphasize mosquito bite prevention as the best defense.
Residents are advised to wear insect repellent outdoors and cover exposed skin with long sleeves and pants when possible. To reduce mosquito breeding grounds, the health department recommends eliminating standing water around homes by regularly emptying items such as flowerpots, birdbaths, pet dishes, and discarded tires. Residents are also encouraged to use air conditioning and ensure windows and doors have intact screens.
For more information on the mosquito control program in Tuscarawas County, visit www.tchdnow.org/mosquito-control or call (330) 343-5550.
*Note: All La Crosse virus cases are considered “suspected” until confirmed by laboratory testing, which may take several weeks.
