One case of La Crosse virus reported in Claiborne County in 2026
Key Points:
- In 2026, four human cases of La Crosse virus have been reported in the U.S., including one in Claiborne County, Tennessee, with additional cases in Ohio, North Carolina, and Alabama, all being neuroinvasive.
- La Crosse virus is transmitted through infected mosquitoes, with most infected individuals showing no symptoms, though severe cases can cause brain inflammation, particularly in children under 16.
- There are currently no vaccines or specific treatments for La Crosse virus; prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites, and severe cases often require hospitalization for supportive care.
- Symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, and cases typically occur from late spring through early fall when mosquitoes are most active.
- The CDC provides more information on La Crosse virus, and previous hospitalizations for the disease have been reported in children from Knox County in 2025.