Particularly with the recent wet weather, when it clears, it would wise for observers to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Showering before going
out for the night, changing to fresh clothes, avoiding open footwear and using repellents with DEET can be effective countermeasures.
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Originally Posted by Sydney Morning Herald
Multiple cases of Japanese encephalitis have been detected across Australia’s east coast, with one woman now in hospital on life support, prompting the federal health department to declare an incident of national significance.
“We never expected to see it in southern regions of Australia. This has taken a lot of us by surprise,” said Associate Professor Cameron Webb, an expert in the virus, based at the University of Sydney.
Japanese encephalitis is generally harmless but in the fewer than 1 per cent of cases where symptoms do develop, one patient in three will die. A vaccine is available, but there is no treatment.
Globally, the mosquito-borne virus, which spreads between waterbirds, pigs and humans, kills about 17,000 people a year, but it has never been seen south of Cape York. Experts say the deadly disease was brought here by the warming climate and is now here to stay.
Fewer than 1 per cent of people who are infected develop clinical illness, but in those who do, the virus can be deadly as it moves into the spinal cord and brain. Children face extra risks and are often left with significant brain injuries.
“It’s pretty dangerous. You don’t want to get it,” said Scott Ritchie, an adjunct professor at James Cook University, who has published several papers on the virus.
“It can kill you, or it can induce long-term neurological effects. You might be in a coma, paralysis. It is a nasty disease.”
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Story here :-
https://www.smh.com.au/national/woma...04-p5a1rt.html
Mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis detected across Australia's east coast
