Australians are experiencing an increase in a serious mosquito-borne virus, the ABC reports.
What happened?
A case of Japanese encephalitis virus has been detected in Melbourne’s northwest. Monitors found the virus in mosquito traps installed in a community west of Horsham. This is Australia’s first case of the summer following the first outbreak of the virus in 2022.
Japanese encephalitis virus is spread by mosquitoes and can cause fever, vomiting and seizures. In about one in 250 cases, the virus causes severe inflammation of the brain, which can be fatal. Fortunately, most people who contract it experience either mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
Australian researchers have previously identified pig farms as a major vector of Japanese encephalitis virus.
Why is Japanese encephalitis virus important?
Mosquito populations are booming as air pollution increases global heat and precipitation. Along with them are the viruses they carry. This includes Zika, dengue and West Nile virus.
What measures have been taken against the Japanese encephalitis virus?
Researchers have been busy finding new ways to control the mosquito population boom. Some people find that soap can keep them in place without having to use pesticides. Others have found promising results in a new type of fungus.
Addressing the root causes of the problem requires reducing pollution in key sectors such as agriculture, electricity and transport. This stabilizes weather patterns and slows the spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes.
While the latest vaccines are the best front-line defense, Australian authorities recommend taking a range of precautions to avoid Japanese encephalitis virus infection. These include using pesticides, covering up with light-colored clothing and removing stagnant pools of water around the house.
“Anyone can be bitten by a mosquito, but people who live, work or spend time outdoors in northern Victoria, particularly near rivers, may be at higher risk,” Victoria’s chief health officer Caroline McElnay said, according to the ABC.
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