Understanding the health risks of La Crosse virus in children
Official title: Vector-virus determinants of the public health risk of La Crosse virus in the Northeastern USA
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11013926 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into the La Crosse virus, which can cause serious brain infections in kids under 16, especially in certain parts of the U.S., to learn more about how it spreads through mosquitoes and what it means for children's health, so we can improve diagnosis and prevention.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | January 22, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $77,600 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI182773-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013926 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under the age of 16 living in the Appalachian and Midwest regions of the United States, particularly those who may have been exposed to Aedes mosquitoes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of the age range or geographic areas affected by La Crosse virus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the La Crosse virus (LACV), a significant cause of pediatric encephalitis in North America, particularly affecting children under 16 in the Appalachian and Midwest regions. The study aims to explore the different lineages of the virus, especially a newly identified lineage in the Northeastern USA, to assess its potential health risks. By examining how this virus is transmitted through mosquito species, the research seeks to understand the factors that may contribute to severe disease cases and long-term health complications in affected children. The findings could help identify gaps in diagnosis and inform future prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of La Crosse virus infections, potentially reducing the incidence of severe neurological complications in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified and characterized other arboviral pathogens, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into La Crosse virus as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eastwood, Gillian — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Eastwood, Gillian
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.