Ohio girl, 7 years old, with a rare mosquito-borne disease that can cause brain inflammation and seizures



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A 7-year-old Mount A young girl from Vernon, Ohio, was infected with a rare virus transmitted by a mosquito that, in severe cases, can cause encephalitis or inflammation of the brain.

The girl, who has not been identified, has been confirmed as infected with the La Crosse virus (LACV), local newspaper Knox Pages reported, citing the Knox County Health Department. We did not know immediately where and when the girl was infected.

The La Crosse virus is usually caused by a bite of an infected mosquito from the eastern tree holes, which "lays its eggs in tree holes and artificial containers. And "generally bites during the day," according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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A rare disease – according to the federal health agency – there are an average of 70 cases in the United States each year – LACV can cause a feeling of sickness, accompanied by fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and vomiting. tired. Most people begin to notice symptoms five to 15 days after being bitten.

In severe cases, however, VACC can result in encephalitis, although this happens more in children under 16 years of age "and often accompanies seizures," says the CDC.

"Cases of coma and paralysis occur in some cases," he added.

The disease is diagnosed by blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests.

There is no specific treatment for mosquito-borne disease.

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"Antibiotics are not effective against viruses and no effective antiviral drug has been discovered. Serious illnesses are treated with supportive treatment, which can include hospitalization, respiratory assistance, intravenous solutions and the prevention of other infections, "added the CDC, noting that most infected people recover completely .

People who are most at risk of contracting VACV if they live in wooded areas. Most cases in the United States occurred in the Upper Midwest, Central Atlantic, and Southwest states. Ohio, in particular, sees about 20 cases of the disease each year, according to the Knox pages.

The best way to prevent LACV and other mosquito-borne diseases is to drain stagnant water – such as birdbaths, buckets or pool covers – that can be used as breeding grounds for these insects. Other preventative measures include covering the skin with long pants and a long-sleeved shirt on the outside and using an insect repellent containing DEET or another ingredient recognized by the EPA.

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