South Australians are warned to avoid exposure to mosquitoes, following the first confirmed locally acquired detection of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in the state.
The Department for Health and Wellbeing’s Executive Director of Health Protection and Licensing Services, Dr Chris Lease, said following a recent investigation of 10 people with acute encephalitis identified in the past month, four of these cases can now be confirmed as having JEV. “With three of these people acquiring their infections locally, it is now more important than ever that we all take extra precautions against mosquitoes and continue to ‘fight the bite’,” Dr Lease said.
All 10 people under investigation required hospitalisation, with seven people currently still in hospital, and one person sadly passing away.
“As we head into the long weekend, and with Easter right around the corner, it’s an incredibly timely reminder to take precautions against mosquito bites. People planning activities around the River Murray are warned to be especially vigilant, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active.”
Most people who are infected with flaviviruses such as Japanese Encephalitis Virus, Kokobera Virus, West Nile Virus, and Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus are asymptomatic or develop a mild febrile illness. A small proportion of infected people will develop encephalitis, which may be fatal or cause long-term neurological damage.
Symptoms of encephalitis may include confusion, headaches, neck stiffness, tremors, drowsiness and seizures.
A vaccine is available for the virus however a vaccine rollout will not be pushed at this time. Most people who do contract the virus will have little to no symptoms with Dr Lease advising most people “wouldn’t even know they had it”.
Families with young children should be especially mindful of mosquito bites, as children under five years of age have a higher risk of developing encephalitis if infected with JEV. Dr Lease said while there are some vaccines available for flaviviruses, personal and household protective measures remain the first line of defence in avoiding mosquito bites and other mosquito-borne diseases.
“If you are outside, apply an insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, and try to stop mosquitoes coming indoors,” Dr Lease said. “If you are outside, cover up with long, loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing. Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing such as jeans or leggings.”
Dr Lease also advised that Mosquito coils can also be useful when outside and aerosol or surface insect sprays can also help control mosquitoes indoors but always follow instructions on the label.
“Simple changes around the home can help to reduce and eliminate mosquitoes such as cleaning up water around the house to prevent breeding and installing mosquito-proof mesh on doors and windows. It is important that people remain vigilant in protecting themselves against mosquito bites, particularly during periods of warmer weather when mosquito activity is high.”
For more information on how to Fight the Bite click here.
More News
