La Crosse Encephalitis
La Crosse Encephalitis
La Crosse Encephalitis (pronunciation: la krɔs ɛnˌsɛfəˈlaɪtɪs) is a viral disease spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. The disease is named after the city of La Crosse, Wisconsin, where it was first identified in 1963.
Etymology
The term "La Crosse Encephalitis" is derived from the city of La Crosse in Wisconsin, where the first documented cases of the disease were reported. "Encephalitis" comes from the Greek words "enkephalos" (brain) and "-itis" (inflammation), indicating an inflammation of the brain.
Symptoms
Most people infected with La Crosse Encephalitis virus do not become ill. Those who do become ill may experience initial symptoms including fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness. Severe disease occurs most commonly in children under the age of 16 and can include seizures, coma, paralysis, and permanent brain damage.
Transmission
La Crosse Encephalitis is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The primary vector is the tree-hole mosquito, Aedes triseriatus. The virus is maintained in nature through a cycle involving the mosquito and small mammals, such as chipmunks and squirrels.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for La Crosse Encephalitis. Care is based on symptoms. In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.
Prevention
Prevention of La Crosse Encephalitis primarily involves protecting oneself from mosquito bites. This can be achieved by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
See Also
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). La Crosse Encephalitis. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/lac/index.html
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on La Crosse Encephalitis
- Wikipedia's article - La Crosse Encephalitis
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