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NSW records its first probable human case of Japanese encephalitis
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NSW has recorded its first possible human case of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).
The individual is a resident within the NSW-Victoria border area and is in a steady situation in intensive care.
A number of extra folks in NSW are present process additional testing and extra instances of the virus, which is unfold by mosquitoes, are anticipated to be confirmed in coming weeks.
The virus has been declared a problem of nationwide significance and NSW Well being is warning the general public to be vigilant and safeguard themselves towards mosquito bites, as there isn’t any particular therapy for JEV.
Earlier right now Queensland recorded its first human case of JEV — a lady in her 60s who’s in a essential situation on life assist after a tenting journey within the south of the state.
Her prognosis follows the current detection of Japanese encephalitis in animal samples taken from a Goondiwindi industrial piggery within the state’s south.
JEV could cause extreme neurological sickness, with headache, convulsions and diminished consciousness in some instances.
The virus can infect animals in addition to people, and was just lately confirmed in samples from quite a few pig farms in NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.
Domestically acquired instances of JEV have by no means beforehand been recognized in NSW in animals or people, as JEV is often solely present in far northern Australia and neighbouring international locations.
Mosquito-control actions are being carried out within the neighborhood of farms the place pigs are confirmed to have been contaminated by JEV, and NSW Well being is arranging vaccinations for employees on affected farms.
The virus can’t be transmitted between people, and it can’t be caught by consuming pork or pig merchandise.
NSW’s Appearing Chief Well being Officer Marianne Gale mentioned one of the best ways to keep away from an infection was to keep away from being bitten by mosquitoes, that are most lively between nightfall and daybreak.
“NSW Well being is cautioning folks endeavor outside actions equivalent to tenting and fishing to fastidiously contemplate their plans,” Dr Gale mentioned.
“That is particularly necessary for folks planning actions close to waterways or the place mosquitoes are current, significantly the Murray River and its branches.
“Individuals ought to be significantly vigilant given the current moist climate situations, which have led to very excessive mosquito numbers which will improve additional within the coming days and weeks.”
NSW Well being is working intently with the NSW Division of Major Industries and different state and territory businesses to find out the extent to which the virus is circulating, by animal testing and mosquito monitoring.
Well being authorities suggest these easy actions for avoiding mosquito bites:
- Put on lengthy sleeves and pants open air and put on sneakers and socks the place attainable. There are pesticides (eg permethrin) obtainable for treating clothes for these spending prolonged intervals open air
- Apply repellent to all areas of uncovered pores and skin: the simplest are these containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. The power of a repellent determines the length of safety, with the upper concentrations offering longer intervals of safety
- Reapply repellent after swimming. The length of safety from repellent can also be diminished with perspiration, equivalent to throughout strenuous exercise or scorching climate
- Apply sunscreen first after which apply repellent
- Mosquito coils and different gadgets that launch pesticides can help in lowering mosquito bites however ought to be utilized in mixture with topical insect repellents
- Scale back all water-holding containers across the residence the place mosquitoes may breed. Mosquitoes solely want a small quantity of liquid to breed
