World map highlighting La Crosse Virus affected regions and research collaboration nodes

La Crosse Virus: Unveiling the Research Landscape

Author's portrait.
Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Why studies on the La Crosse Virus are more critical than ever"


La Crosse encephalitis, caused by the La Crosse virus (LACV), is a disease primarily spread by mosquitoes. While its prevalence is most notable in regions such as Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States, particularly the Appalachian and Midwestern areas, understanding its research landscape is crucial for global health security.

A recent increase in cases within the southeastern United States has prompted closer inspection into the factors influencing its spread. The Aedes albopictus mosquito, an effective vector of LACV, has expanded its territory, replacing Aedes aegypti in many areas. This shift necessitates a comprehensive understanding of current research efforts to combat the virus effectively.

A bibliometric study was conducted to evaluate the global scientific production related to LACV. By examining critical databases, this analysis seeks to provide insights into the volume and focus of research, identify key contributors, and highlight areas that require further attention.

Decoding the La Crosse Virus: A Bibliometric Perspective

World map highlighting La Crosse Virus affected regions and research collaboration nodes

The study encompassed an extensive search across multiple databases, including the Science Citation Index (SCI), Scopus, Medline/PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, and IMBIOMED. The search strategy employed keywords such as "La Crosse Encephalitis" AND "Paraguay," along with variations for other countries and the abbreviation "LACV" to ensure a comprehensive capture of relevant articles.

The search yielded a total of 32 relevant records. Medline/PubMed contributed 17 articles, Scopus added 5, and SCI accounted for another 5. A notable absence was the lack of records from SciELO, LILACS, and IMBIOMED, indicating a gap in regional databases. All identified articles were published in English. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emerged as the leading institution in LACV research, while DeFoliart stood out as the author with the highest number of publications in SCOPUS. The h-index was 4 in SCI and 9 in SCOPUS, demonstrating the impact and citation frequency of the research.

  • Comprehensive Database Search: The study utilized a robust search strategy across major scientific databases to gather relevant research on La Crosse Virus.
  • Key Contributors: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and researcher DeFoliart are identified as significant contributors to the field.
  • Language and Publication Trends: All identified articles were in English, revealing potential gaps in regional databases and non-English publications.
A bibliometric analysis reveals that research on viruses has increased exponentially in recent years, with LACV receiving relatively less attention compared to viruses like Zika, Mayaro, and Chikungunya. The United States and Brazil lead LACV research, mirroring trends in other viral studies. Despite generally favorable outcomes, some patients experience neurological sequelae, emphasizing the need for thorough diagnosis, especially given similar symptoms with other regional viruses. Although Aedes aegypti is not a primary vector, it can still facilitate LACV spread, exacerbated by air travel.

Moving Forward: Prioritizing La Crosse Virus Research

Research on the La Crosse Virus is significantly lower compared to other viral diseases. Given the potential for neurological complications and the increasing mobility of populations, fostering cooperation and research on this virus is essential. With no specific treatment or preventive measures currently available, it is imperative to promote research and preventive strategies to protect public health effectively.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What is La Crosse Virus (LACV) and where is it most prevalent?

La Crosse Virus (LACV) is a virus that causes La Crosse encephalitis, a disease primarily transmitted by mosquitoes. While LACV can be found in various regions, it is most prevalent in the United States, particularly in the Appalachian and Midwestern areas, as well as in Latin America and the Caribbean. The spread is facilitated by mosquitoes, with the Aedes albopictus mosquito being a significant vector of the virus in many regions.

2

What is the significance of the Aedes albopictus mosquito in the context of LACV?

The Aedes albopictus mosquito plays a crucial role in the spread of the La Crosse Virus (LACV). It's a highly effective vector of LACV and has expanded its territory, replacing the Aedes aegypti mosquito in several regions. This geographical shift highlights the need to understand the Aedes albopictus's behavior and its role in LACV transmission to effectively combat the virus's spread. The presence of this mosquito has implications on the prevalence and the areas where LACV is likely to emerge.

3

Which institutions and researchers are at the forefront of La Crosse Virus research?

Based on the bibliometric analysis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is identified as the leading institution in La Crosse Virus (LACV) research. Within the SCOPUS database, researcher DeFoliart is highlighted as the author with the highest number of publications. The study underscores the importance of these key contributors in advancing the understanding and management of LACV.

4

What are the limitations of current research on La Crosse Virus, and how does it compare to other viral diseases?

Research on the La Crosse Virus (LACV) is significantly lower compared to other viral diseases like Zika, Mayaro, and Chikungunya. This disparity reveals a critical gap in attention and resources allocated to LACV. Furthermore, the study indicates potential gaps in regional databases, as evidenced by the lack of records from SciELO, LILACS, and IMBIOMED. The absence of specific treatments and preventive measures emphasizes the need for more research and preventive strategies.

5

Why is increased attention and collaboration essential for public health concerning La Crosse Virus?

Increased attention and collaboration are essential due to the potential for neurological complications associated with the La Crosse Virus (LACV) and the increasing mobility of populations, which can facilitate the spread of the virus. The lack of specific treatments and preventive measures, coupled with the severity of the disease, necessitates fostering greater cooperation in research efforts. This includes international collaboration to share data, resources, and expertise to improve public health and effectively address the challenges posed by LACV.

Newsletter Subscribe

Subscribe to get the latest articles and insights directly in your inbox.