Mosquito tracker says La Crosse has most cases of encephalitis in country

West Nile warnings have also come this week. 

For much of the summer, mosquitoes can be just a nuisance.

But the chance of getting an illness from mosquito bites could be higher than usual in La Crosse this year, because of big hatches that started around April.  

County mosquito tracker Dave Geske is looking out now for the La Crosse strain of encephalitis.

“La Crosse and surrounding counties have just really recorded the highest number of La Crosse cases in the country,” Geske said.

As for the large number of mosquitoes this year, Geske blames the rainy weather for the spring hatch.

“Probably the largest I’ve seen in springtime,” Geske said.

Geske believes the encephalitis outbreak will begin soon and last through Sept. 

Also this week, the health department warned people in the area to protect themselves against mosquito bites which could spread the West Nile virus.