11-year-old girl battles rare mosquito-borne virus

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) - An 11-year-old girl in Tennessee is grappling with a mosquito-borne virus after she first started showing symptoms on Aug. 31.

Brynlee Henderson is one of only a few in the state who has been infected with the La Crosse virus so far in 2024.

The CDC reported that less than 100 people in the U.S. are infected with the virus each year, with most cases coming from children under the age of 16.

Brynlee woke up one morning with a 103-degree fever, according to her mother. She was on vacation with her family in South Carolina when her headaches, fevers and extreme sensitivity to light continued.

The family decided to drive back to East Tennessee to get her medical care.

“She said, ‘Momma, can I have your sunglasses because the headlights and traffic lights are too bright,’” Brynlee’s mother, Katie Henderson, said.

When they arrived at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, doctors told the family they believed Brynlee was infected with the La Crosse virus.

For several days, Brynlee had struggled with routine activities, including eating, drinking and communicating clearly. The family attributes Brynlee’s difficulties to brain swelling.

Brynlee’s family said she loves being outside and, although she uses bug spray and wears long-sleeved clothes, she was still infected with the virus.

Her family is now warning others to take precautions like using the proper spray and avoiding areas with standing water where mosquitoes may be lurking.

Brynlee was released from medical care on Thursday and was able to return home, but she will likely have lingering effects from the La Crosse virus.

Copyright 2024 WVLT via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.