LaCrosse encephalitis is a potentially serious disease transmitted by mosquitoes that develop in old tires, artificial containers, and areas in trees that hold water. These “treehole mosquitoes” are just one of 50 species found in Minnesota.
This viral disease is most often diagnosed in children under the age of 16. Adults can become infected, but in most cases symptoms are not severe.
Symptoms include headache, stiff neck, fever, convulsions, nausea and vomitting, and mental confusion. This disease may also cause permanent damage to the central nervous system, and in rare cases death.
MMCD works closely with the Minnesota Department of Health on this issue.