Sydney, January 15 (IANS). The Health Department of Victoria State, Australia has advised people to avoid mosquitoes. Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has been found in mosquitoes in the northern part of the state. This dangerous virus spreads through mosquito bites and can infect the brain.
The health department in Victoria, Australia’s second-most populous state, said on Wednesday that its early warning program had detected JEV in mosquitoes in the state’s north. This is the first time this virus has been identified in the summer season.
Tourists and locals have been advised to remain vigilant to avoid mosquito bites.
Japanese encephalitis virus is a flavivirus, related to dengue and yellow fever. According to the World Health Organization, one in 250 people infected with this virus may suffer serious illness. Of those who show symptoms, death can occur in up to 30% of cases.
Victoria’s chief health officer, Tarun Weeramanthri, said the virus can cause a rare but serious brain infection. He advised people to use mosquito repellent spray and avoid going out when mosquitoes are present.
According to Xinhua news agency, the Victoria government has made free JEV vaccines available to people living in 24 high-risk areas of the state.
Also in December, the health department had issued a high-risk alert after a case of JEV was found in a human being.
Victoria’s acting Chief Health Officer Christian McGrath issued a warning, saying, “The risk of mosquito-borne diseases may remain high in the next few weeks. It is extremely important to take measures to avoid mosquito bites to prevent infection.”
Currently, the condition of a person in a city 200 km north of Melbourne remains critical due to the same disease.
–IANS
AS/
