4-Year-Old Z-ville Child Has Encephalitis

The Zanesville Muskingum County Health Department is reporting a confirmed case of La Crosse Encephalitis in a four-year-old Zanesville child.  The Health Department first learned about the case Wednesday July 12th and immediately started an epidemiological investigation.  Public Health sanitarians went to the home and surrounding properties Wednesday.  Containers of standing water were removed and educational materials were distributed.  La Crosse Encephalitis is a rare disease that is caused by a virus spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.  It is not transmitted directly from person to person.  The Health Department says most persons infected with La Crosse Encephalitis have no apparent illness.  Initial symptoms in those who become ill include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and tiredness.  Severe disease, involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, occurs most commonly in children under the age of 16 and is often accompanied by seizures. For more information contact the Health Department at 740-454-9741 and dial 2 for nursing or visit www.zmchd.org.