What is the infectious agent that causes LaCrosse encephalitis?
LaCrosse encephalitis is caused by the LaCrosse encephalitis virus, an arbovirus. Arbovirus is short for arthropod-borne virus. Arboviruses are a large group of viruses that are spread by certain invertebrate animals (arthropods), most commonly blood-sucking insects. In the United States, arboviruses are spread mainly by infected mosquitoes. Where is LaCrosse encephalitis found? LaCrosse encephalitis is most common in the hardwood forest areas of the upper midwestern United States and in the Appalachian region (West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia). Most recent cases are from West Virginia. How do people get LaCrosse encephalitis? The LaCrosse encephalitis virus has a complex life cycle involving chipmunks and squirrels and a specific type of woodland mosquito (Aedes triseriatus). This mosquito breeds in tree holes and manmade containers and bites during the day. People are not an important part of the life cycle of the virus. In rare cases, however, people who live in or
