An 11 year-old girl in Sevierville is battling a rare virus from mosquitoes.
According to the CDC, less than 100 people in the US are infected with the La Crosse virus each year, with most of the cases coming from kids 16 or under.
Brynlee Henderson is one of only a few in the state who’s been infected so far in 2024. Her symptoms started on August 31st while her family was vacationing in South Carolina, when headaches, fevers, and extreme light sensitivity continued, the family came home and went to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Doctors told the family they believed Brynlee had been infected with the rare virus.
Routine things like eating, drinking, and communicating clearly have been a struggle for the Brynlee due to brain swelling. She was released from the hospital yesterday (Thursday) but will likely have lingering effects from the La Crosse virus.
