An economic and social analysis of La Crosse encephalitis in North Carolina

by 1972- Utz, John Todd

Utz, John Todd. An economic and social analysis of La Crosse encephalitis in North Carolina. (Under the direction of Charles S. Apperson) La Crosse encephalitis (LACE), a viral illness vectored by mosquitoes, is endemic in western North Carolina. Clinical manifestations of La Crosse (LAC) virus infection range from mild fever to aseptic meningitis or frank encephalitis. Due to non-specific or sub-clinical symptoms and the absence of an accurate, timely diagnostic tool, the true incidence of LAC virus infection is unknown for the endemic foci of the illness. To estimate the socioeconomic burden of LACE in North Carolina, interviews of serologically confirmed LACE patients or the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the case patients were conducted. The estimated burden of LACE was divided into three categories: direct medical costs; indirect medical costs; and social costs. Direct medical cost is the dollar value associated with medical treatment and rehabilitation for LACE. Indirect medical costs refer to any lost income and/or expense required that is not involved in treatment or rehabilitation of a person with