Health officials issue warning after worrisome virus detected for first time: 'Anyone can be bitten'
Yahoo••health
Key Points:
- A case of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was detected in a mosquito trap near Horsham, northwest of Melbourne, marking the first Australian summer case following a 2022 outbreak.
- JEV is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause symptoms ranging from mild fever to severe brain inflammation, which is fatal in about one in 250 cases.
- Rising global temperatures and increased precipitation due to pollution have led to surging mosquito populations, spreading viruses like JEV, Zika, dengue, and West Nile virus.
- Researchers are exploring new mosquito control methods, including using soap to immobilize mosquitoes and a novel fungus, while emphasizing the need to reduce pollution to stabilize weather and limit mosquito-borne diseases.
- Australian health
