Key Points
- La Crosse is caused by a virus transmitted through the bite of a mosquito.
- La Crosse virus circulates in the environment between tree hole breeding mosquitoes and small mammals (e.g., chipmunks, squirrels) in eastern and north central United States.
Primary cause
La Crosse is caused by a virus that is found in eastern and north central areas of the United States.
La Crosse virus belongs to a group of similar viruses, such as Jamestown Canyon virus or Snowshoe hare virus, which are also found in the United States and Canada.
How it spreads
- La Crosse virus circulates in the environment between tree hole breeding mosquitoes and small mammals, such as chipmunks or squirrels.
- Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to people and other animals by biting them.
- People are considered "dead-end" hosts. This means they do not spread the virus to mosquitoes that bite them.
- La Crosse virus is not spread by coughing, sneezing, touching, or other contact with someone who is infected.
Keep Reading:
Transmission of La Crosse Virus