New virus cases rise among recently flooded states and areas
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As the floodwaters recede in several parts of Australia, many Aussies are working over the clock to rebuild their homes and communities.
However, a new threat has emerged, which prompted urgent warnings from health officials.
The detection of a new case of Japanese encephalitis in New South Wales has raised health officials' alarms.
This mosquito-borne disease could lead to severe illness and, in some cases, death.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) classified Japanese encephalitis as a significant viral infection, and the recent developments have put communities on high alert.
The latest case involved a NSW local in his 20s, which marked him as the fifth person to contract the disease in the state recently.
Tragically, an ACT man lost his life to Japanese encephalitis earlier this month after visiting the Murrumbidgee region.
His passing represented the second death from the virus in NSW this year.
Queensland healthcare officials also reported its first locally-acquired human case, with the individual likely contracting the disease near the NSW-Queensland border.
Moreover, the presence of the virus in mosquitoes has been confirmed in Brisbane.
Understanding Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, specifically the Culex tritaeniorhynchus species.
It shares a family with other well-known infections such as dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and West Nile viruses.
Dr Paul Griffin, an infectious diseases physician at the University of Queensland, explained that the virus has a complex life cycle involving birds and pigs, with mosquitoes transferring it occasionally to humans.
Dr Daniel Rawle, head of the Emerging Viral Diseases Lab at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, noted that the virus was first detected in Australia on the Tiwi Islands.
In 2022, an 'unprecedented incursion' saw the virus spread south through the eastern states, aided by flooding that created ideal mosquito breeding conditions and bird migration.
The virus has now become endemic, as cases continue to appear in previously unaffected areas in Australia.
Climate change could also have played a significant role in the spread of Japanese encephalitis.
As temperatures rise, mosquitoes adapt to hotter conditions, potentially expanding their habitat and increasing the risk of disease transmission.
Symptoms and transmission
Most people infected with Japanese encephalitis experience mild symptoms.
Yet, in some cases, the illness could have severe symptoms leading to confusion, severe headaches, changes in consciousness, seizures, and brain inflammation.
A proportion of those with severe cases may not survive.
Dr Griffin emphasised the importance of seeking urgent medical attention if experiencing such symptoms, especially for those who have been in areas where the virus is present.
Flooding's impact on mosquito-borne diseases
Flooding creates stagnant water—the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Dr Jeremy McAnulty, NSW Health's executive director of health protection, advised taking precautions during flood clean-up efforts to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
Proximity to pig populations could also increase the risk of encountering mosquitoes carrying Japanese encephalitis.
Preventative measures
To reduce the risk of Japanese encephalitis, Dr Griffin recommended wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when going outside.
He also recommended using chemical repellents like DEET and installing fly screens at home.
For Australians living in high-risk areas, vaccinations are available through general practitioners or Aboriginal Medical Services.
It's crucial to be extra vigilant about such health risks, especially as we age.
Immune systems may not be as robust as they once were, making many seniors more susceptible to severe outcomes from diseases like Japanese encephalitis.
If you live in or have visited a flood-affected region, please take all necessary precautions to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Have you heard about a rise in Japanese encephalitis cases in your area? Share your thoughts and any additional tips you have for staying safe during this outbreak in the comments below.
However, a new threat has emerged, which prompted urgent warnings from health officials.
The detection of a new case of Japanese encephalitis in New South Wales has raised health officials' alarms.
This mosquito-borne disease could lead to severe illness and, in some cases, death.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) classified Japanese encephalitis as a significant viral infection, and the recent developments have put communities on high alert.
Flooded areas could be prone to mosquito infestation, and eventually lead to cases of Japanese encephalitis. Image Credit: Pexels/Plato Terentev
The latest case involved a NSW local in his 20s, which marked him as the fifth person to contract the disease in the state recently.
Tragically, an ACT man lost his life to Japanese encephalitis earlier this month after visiting the Murrumbidgee region.
His passing represented the second death from the virus in NSW this year.
Queensland healthcare officials also reported its first locally-acquired human case, with the individual likely contracting the disease near the NSW-Queensland border.
Moreover, the presence of the virus in mosquitoes has been confirmed in Brisbane.
Understanding Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, specifically the Culex tritaeniorhynchus species.
It shares a family with other well-known infections such as dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and West Nile viruses.
Dr Paul Griffin, an infectious diseases physician at the University of Queensland, explained that the virus has a complex life cycle involving birds and pigs, with mosquitoes transferring it occasionally to humans.
Dr Daniel Rawle, head of the Emerging Viral Diseases Lab at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, noted that the virus was first detected in Australia on the Tiwi Islands.
In 2022, an 'unprecedented incursion' saw the virus spread south through the eastern states, aided by flooding that created ideal mosquito breeding conditions and bird migration.
The virus has now become endemic, as cases continue to appear in previously unaffected areas in Australia.
Climate change could also have played a significant role in the spread of Japanese encephalitis.
As temperatures rise, mosquitoes adapt to hotter conditions, potentially expanding their habitat and increasing the risk of disease transmission.
Symptoms and transmission
Most people infected with Japanese encephalitis experience mild symptoms.
Yet, in some cases, the illness could have severe symptoms leading to confusion, severe headaches, changes in consciousness, seizures, and brain inflammation.
A proportion of those with severe cases may not survive.
Dr Griffin emphasised the importance of seeking urgent medical attention if experiencing such symptoms, especially for those who have been in areas where the virus is present.
Flooding's impact on mosquito-borne diseases
Flooding creates stagnant water—the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Dr Jeremy McAnulty, NSW Health's executive director of health protection, advised taking precautions during flood clean-up efforts to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
Proximity to pig populations could also increase the risk of encountering mosquitoes carrying Japanese encephalitis.
Preventative measures
To reduce the risk of Japanese encephalitis, Dr Griffin recommended wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when going outside.
He also recommended using chemical repellents like DEET and installing fly screens at home.
For Australians living in high-risk areas, vaccinations are available through general practitioners or Aboriginal Medical Services.
It's crucial to be extra vigilant about such health risks, especially as we age.
Immune systems may not be as robust as they once were, making many seniors more susceptible to severe outcomes from diseases like Japanese encephalitis.
If you live in or have visited a flood-affected region, please take all necessary precautions to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
