Ohio mother shares warning after daughter contracts La Crosse virus

COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Ohio mother is urging parents to stay vigilant after her 5-year-old daughter contracted La Crosse virus, a rare but potentially serious illness spread by infected mosquitoes.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, the state reports more human cases of La Crosse virus than any other in the country, averaging about 20 cases annually. More than 90% of those infected are children under the age of 15.

In severe cases, the virus can lead to seizures, coma, paralysis — and even death.

Emily, a bubbly kindergartner, is finally home after a weeks-long hospital stay. Her mother, Kristy M., an emergency room nurse, said the symptoms came on suddenly and were unlike anything she had seen before.

“She was kind of lifeless, which is very not like her,” Kristy said. “Didn’t want to play with her brother, just not quite Emily.”

At first, Kristy thought her daughter was fighting a cold or the flu but things escalated quickly.

“I incidentally had her in bed with me and I’m so thankful that I did,” Kristy said. “Around 4 in the morning, she began vomiting and she was lying flat and she wasn’t responding to the fact that she was vomiting.”

Kristy called 911 when she realized Emily was having a seizure.

“I realize what I’m seeing — she’s having a focal seizure. Terrifying,” she said.

Emily continued to seize during the ambulance ride to the hospital.

“I felt helpless in that moment, and never imagined the days that would follow,” Kristy said.

Doctors diagnosed Emily with La Crosse virus after she experienced extreme brain swelling.

“As someone who obviously understands the body pretty well, I’ve obviously never seen my own child in this position, and it was absolutely terrifying,” Kristy said.

A physician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital said most people who contract La Crosse virus recover fully or don’t show symptoms, but in rare cases, it can be fatal.

Kristy hopes sharing Emily’s story will help other parents recognize when symptoms become serious and always staying alert.

“Sometimes as parents we don’t know when the moment has become serious enough to call for help,” she said. “We tend to question, is this just a flu?”

Emily is expected to make a full recovery with no long-term complications.

“I’m worried for the kiddos affected by La Crosse that don’t have that early intervention,” Kristy said.

Despite everything she’s endured, Emily hasn’t lost her spirit — or her love for bugs.