NANCY SPENCER

HANOVERTON — The Ohio Department of Health has documented 50 cases of LaCrosse/California encephalitis (LACV) virus within the state –which is the highest nationally.

Although West Nile virus is its much more common big sister, up to 90 LaCrosse neuroinvasive disease cases are reported each year, according to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC).

The upper midwest, including states like Ohio, have the majority of reported cases followed by Tennessee.

The risk is highest for people who live, work, and recreate in woodland habitats where they potentially could encounter infected Eastern Tree Hole Mosquitoes, which are aggressive daytime-biting mosquito commonly founded in wooded areas.

The community is gathering to assist a 4-year-old Hanoverton girl in her recovery from the disease, which she contracted earlier this year.

Juveniles are commonly the ones who are impacted the most, as healthy adults tend to easily purge the virus with little effort.

In the case of Nancy Spencer, she had been in the midst of treatment from an ear infection when she was bit, according to her mother Nanci Spencer.

The Eastern Freehole Mosquito (Aedes triseriatus) is widespread through Ohio and tends to be prominent in wooded areas and parks, laying eggs in areas where water collect.

The Spencer family resides in a heavily wooded area of Foundry Hill Road.

Symptoms typically do not surface until around two weeks into the infection, explained her mom.

In Nancy’s case, while the initial antibiotic cleared the earache, another had to be prescribed and typically LaCrosse patients suffer from fever, headaches, nausea, fatigue, vomiting and finally seizures that reveal the encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

Nancy is believed to have been immunocompromised from the initial antibiotic –when bit by the infected mosquito.

The diagnosis was reached after a process of elimination –tests like MRI and spinal taps and a flight to Akron Children’s Hospital for verification and treatment.

To assist with the mounting medical bills, grandma Christine Flickinger has organized a fundraising dinner from 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. at Negley Volunteer Fire Hall.

The cost of $12 for ages 9 and over or $7 for ages 8 and younger, includes a meal consisting of pulled pork, roasted potatoes, baked beans and cole slaw –benefiting the medical expenses. Meals are available either on a dine-in or to-go basis.

Proceeds from a bake sale, 50/50 and basket drawing also will benefit the effort.

For more information on assisting, call Flickinger at 330-853-7707.

While there are no vaccines or medicines to prevent LaCrosse, the CDC said that best way to prevent it is to protection from mosquito bites.

Some suggestions include:

— Using insect repellents.

— Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.

–Treating clothing and gear.

–Taking steps to control mosquitos indoors and outdoors. This can either include use of essential oils (including via burning candles) such as lemon eucalyptus, peppermint and citronella or removing potential breeding sites.

Others have utilized bug zappers or foggers for temporary relief from flying mosquitoes.

sujhelyi@mojonews.com