Urgent warning over deadly disease spreading across Australia at an alarming rate with three already in hospital – and children should be especially cautious
- Four cases of Japanese encephalitis have been detected in Victoria this week
- Spreads through mosquito bites, with people in regional areas near pigs at risk
- Evidence of the strain has been found in pigs in Echuca, near the NSW border
- Symptoms include confusion, headaches, tremors, drowsiness and seizures
- Children & elderly who are infected have higher risk of developing serious illness
Three Victorians are in hospital suffering from Japanese encephalitis after the virus was detected in animals in the state’s north.
Victorian health officials issued a warning about the virus – and warned children should be especially cautious – when evidence of the strain was found in pigs in Echuca, near the NSW border.
AAP understands that since Sunday’s alert, four Victorians have contracted the virus.
All four were admitted to hospital and one has since been discharged.
Encephalitis spreads through mosquito bites and people residing in regional areas who are in contact with pigs may be at particular risk.
Victorian health officials have issued a warning about Japanese encephalitis – and warned children and older residents should be especially cautious – after evidence of the strain was discovered in some pigs at Echuca, near the NSW border this week
Encephalitis spreads through mosquito bites (pictured) and has symptoms such as confusion, headaches, neck stiffness, tremors, drowsiness and seizures
The disease is not transmitted from person to person and cannot be caught by eating pork or pig products.
Symptoms of encephalitis may include confusion, headaches, neck stiffness, tremors, drowsiness and seizures.
Australia’s health department confirmed the disease had been found in one piggery in Victoria’s north, six piggeries in NSW and one in Queensland.
‘This is the first time the virus has been detected in Victoria, and biosecurity authorities are working with their human health departments to understand the implications and risks of human exposure,’ Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Mark Schipp said.
Anyone working or camping in country Victoria is being warned to use mosquito repellent and cover up with loose-fitting clothing.
Older people and those aged under five who are infected have a higher risk of developing a serious illness.
Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton says anyone who developed a sudden fever, headache and vomiting should see their doctor immediately.
‘People with these symptoms can deteriorate over just a few short days, including suffering a loss of coordination, disorientation, generalised weakness and in some cases issues with movement which can last for years,’ he said.
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