Health officials urge caution as rare virus claims life, sparking warning for Aussies
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Following a recent health concern, Australians are being urged to remain cautious about mosquito-borne illnesses after a rare infection resulted in a fatality.
Authorities are emphasising the importance of awareness and preventive measures, as experts highlight the unpredictable nature of such cases.
While instances remain uncommon, recent developments remind us of these insects' potential risks.
Dr Jeremy McAnulty, NSW Health's Executive Director of Health Protection, emphasised the importance of mosquito precautions for all Australians, not just those residing in known affected areas.
'These two cases of Japanese encephalitis virus [in NSW], one of which was infected while travelling for a holiday, shows it is very important all people take precautions against mosquitoes,' he stated.
'JE is a risk you must consider.'
This recent death is the third since JE was first detected in Australia in 2022, a stark reminder of the virus's potential impact.
Mosquitoes become carriers of JE by biting infected animals and can transmit the virus to humans through their saliva.
The Murray Darling Basin region, which spans NSW, Victoria, and parts of Queensland and South Australia, is particularly susceptible, especially in wetland areas.
Cameron Webb, an entomologist, provided some reassurance by noting that JE virus activity is less common along the densely populated east coast of Australia.
'It tends to occur to the west of the Murray Darling Basin region... it's more inland,' Webb explained.
The sparser populations in these areas contribute to lower infection rates, and the likelihood of developing symptoms after being bitten by an infected mosquito is relatively low.
'More than 90 per cent of JE virus infections are asymptomatic,' according to the Victorian Department of Health, which means most people who contract the virus may not even know they have it.
However, Webb cautioned that 'as few as one in 250 people who are actually bitten by an infected mosquito develop symptoms,' underscoring the rarity but also the potential danger of JE.
The World Health Organisation has reported that the case-fatality rate among those with JE can be as high as 30 per cent, a sobering statistic that underscores the importance of taking the virus seriously.
Fortunately, JE is one of the few mosquito-borne viruses for which a vaccine is available in Australia.
Health authorities strongly recommend vaccination for those living or working in high-risk areas.
In addition to vaccination, there are practical measures everyone can take to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
Using skin repellents containing DEET, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants with covered footwear, avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito times like dawn and dusk, and ensuring homes have proper insect screens can all help protect against mosquito bites.
The recent death serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of these precautions.
As we enjoy the great outdoors, let's not forget the small steps we can take to safeguard our health against these tiny but potentially deadly creatures.
Credit: YouTube
Have you or someone you know been affected by mosquito-borne illnesses? What precautions do you take to protect yourself? Join the conversation below, and let's raise awareness together.
Authorities are emphasising the importance of awareness and preventive measures, as experts highlight the unpredictable nature of such cases.
While instances remain uncommon, recent developments remind us of these insects' potential risks.
Dr Jeremy McAnulty, NSW Health's Executive Director of Health Protection, emphasised the importance of mosquito precautions for all Australians, not just those residing in known affected areas.
'These two cases of Japanese encephalitis virus [in NSW], one of which was infected while travelling for a holiday, shows it is very important all people take precautions against mosquitoes,' he stated.
'JE is a risk you must consider.'
The first recorded JE death in NSW since 2022 was confirmed by health authorities. Credit: World Health Organisation
This recent death is the third since JE was first detected in Australia in 2022, a stark reminder of the virus's potential impact.
Mosquitoes become carriers of JE by biting infected animals and can transmit the virus to humans through their saliva.
The Murray Darling Basin region, which spans NSW, Victoria, and parts of Queensland and South Australia, is particularly susceptible, especially in wetland areas.
Cameron Webb, an entomologist, provided some reassurance by noting that JE virus activity is less common along the densely populated east coast of Australia.
'It tends to occur to the west of the Murray Darling Basin region... it's more inland,' Webb explained.
The sparser populations in these areas contribute to lower infection rates, and the likelihood of developing symptoms after being bitten by an infected mosquito is relatively low.
'More than 90 per cent of JE virus infections are asymptomatic,' according to the Victorian Department of Health, which means most people who contract the virus may not even know they have it.
However, Webb cautioned that 'as few as one in 250 people who are actually bitten by an infected mosquito develop symptoms,' underscoring the rarity but also the potential danger of JE.
The World Health Organisation has reported that the case-fatality rate among those with JE can be as high as 30 per cent, a sobering statistic that underscores the importance of taking the virus seriously.
Fortunately, JE is one of the few mosquito-borne viruses for which a vaccine is available in Australia.
Health authorities strongly recommend vaccination for those living or working in high-risk areas.
In addition to vaccination, there are practical measures everyone can take to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
Using skin repellents containing DEET, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants with covered footwear, avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito times like dawn and dusk, and ensuring homes have proper insect screens can all help protect against mosquito bites.
The recent death serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of these precautions.
As we enjoy the great outdoors, let's not forget the small steps we can take to safeguard our health against these tiny but potentially deadly creatures.
Credit: YouTube
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