North Carolina Records Two Cases of La Crosse Encephalitis
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Public health officials today announced the seasons first two cases of La Crosse encephalitis. One patient was infected in Buncombe County, the other in Jackson County. The patients both teenagers were hospitalized but are now improving.
With all of the attention that has been focused on West Nile virus in the past few years, some people overlook the fact that there are other mosquito-borne illnesses, said State Health Director Dr. Leah Devlin. We average about 20 cases of La Crosse a year. People need to protect themselves from mosquito-bites. That means properly applying a mosquito repellant that contains DEET and mosquito-proofing your environment.
La Crosse is the most common mosquito-borne illness in North Carolina. It is found predominantly in the western part of the state. Symptoms occur from a few days to a couple of weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. These symptoms include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. In more severe cases, convulsions, tremors and coma can occur. Children under 16 years of age and the elderly are the most susceptible to the disease. There are, on average, 70 cases of La Crosse virus annually in America. In 2003, North Carolina had 23 cases of La Crosse. La Crosse is rarely fatal, although a Transylvania County girl died from the disease in 2001. It is named for the city of La Crosse, Wisc., where it was first identified in 1963.
The best defense against LAC infection is to avoid mosquito bites.
Source: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Happy Hand Hygiene Day! Rethinking Glove Use for Safer, Cleaner, and More Ethical Health Care
May 5th 2025Despite their protective role, gloves are often misused in health care settings—undermining hand hygiene, risking patient safety, and worsening environmental impact. Alexandra Peters, PhD, points out that this misuse deserves urgent attention, especially today, World Hand Hygiene Day.
From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing
April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
Show, Tell, Teach: Elevating EVS Training Through Cognitive Science and Performance Coaching
April 25th 2025Training EVS workers for hygiene excellence demands more than manuals—it requires active engagement, motor skills coaching, and teach-back techniques to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.
The Rise of Disposable Products in Health Care Cleaning and Linens
April 25th 2025Health care-associated infections are driving a shift toward disposable microfiber cloths, mop pads, and curtains—offering infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in one-time-use solutions.
