Arboviruses

La Crosse is the most common arbovirus affecting North Carolinians. It is found predominantly in the western part of the state. Symptoms occur from a few days to a couple of weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. These symptoms include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. In more severe cases, convulsions, tremors and coma can occur. Children under 16 years of age and the elderly are the most susceptible to the disease. There are, on average, 70 cases of La Crosse virus annually in America. In 2002, North Carolina had 20 cases of La Crosse. La Crosse is rarely fatal, although a Transylvania County girl died from the disease in 2001.

The best defense against LAC infection is to avoid mosquito bites. Reduce time spent outdoors, particularly in early morning and early evening hours when mosquitoes are most active; wear light-colored long pants and long-sleeved shirts; and apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin areas.

To reduce mosquito breeding areas around your home:

• Remove any containers that can hold water;
• Keep gutters clean and in good repair;
• Repair leaky outdoor faucets and change the water in bird baths and pet bowls at least twice a week;
• Use screened windows and doors and make sure screens fit tightly and are not torn.
• Keep tight-fitting screens or lids on rain barrels.

For more information:

• North Carolina Public Health recommendations for safe use of personal insect repellents
• North Carolina Public Health Pest Management web site
• CDC Arbovirus Website: Arboviral Encephalitides, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Press Releases

Arbovirus Topics

• Arboviruses
• West Nile virus (WNV)
• Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)
• Precautions for minimizing pesticide exposure during mosquito-control spraying
• Preventing Mosquito Bites
• Safe Use of DEET Insect Repellent (for Adults and Children)
• School Use of DEET Insect Repellent

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