How to get rid of mosquitoes
Find out about some mosquito repellents in time for summer.
The Knox County Health Department is warning families about an increase in cases of the La Crosse virus, a mosquito-borne illness. Six people with the illness have been hospitalized in the past nine weeks, all of them under the age of 12.
The La Crosse virus is a mosquito-borne infection, and recent infections are at their highest since 2020.
The La Crosse virus does not usually cause symptoms, but some people can become severely ill and experience fever, headache, and inflammation of the brain.
There are no vaccines that can prevent illness caused by the virus, nor are there any medications that can treat it.
Since mosquito season is still in full swing and the majority of cases affect children, parents should know the symptoms and how to protect their child.
How contagious is the La Crosse virus and how does it spread?
The Las Crosse virus is an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes mosquito, which bites in forested areas at dawn and dusk.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people infected with the virus cannot spread it to others through coughing, sneezing, touching or other contact.
People who live in areas with fewer mosquitoes have a lower risk of becoming infected with the virus.
What are the symptoms of the La Crosse virus?
Usually, infected people do not show any symptoms. However, when they do occur, symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
According to the Knox County Health Department, children ages 16 and younger may experience the most serious symptoms, such as encephalitis, a swelling of the brain that can lead to serious neurological complications.
How to prevent infection with the La Crosse virus
The best way to avoid infection is to avoid mosquito bites. Here’s how:
- Apply insect repellent
- Wear long-sleeved shirts
- Treat clothing and equipment with repellents
- Remove standing water from your property
- Avoid areas where mosquitoes are present
