Japanese encephalitis (JEV) has been discovered for the primary time in feral pigs in far north Queensland.
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Key factors:
- Japanese encephalitis is transmitted via mosquito bites
- The illness is reported to have killed 5 individuals in Australia so far this yr
- Health authorities say the chance of transmission to people may be very low
The discovery of the mosquito-borne illness follows an outbreak throughout 4 states that’s linked to the deaths of 5 individuals so far this yr.
Bio info update security Queensland mentioned a small variety of feral pigs in the Skardon River space in western Cape York Peninsula had examined constructive for the illness following routine testing.
The Indigenous neighborhood of Mapoon is the closest inhabitants base to Skardon River.
Health authorities mentioned the chance of transmission to people was very low.
Mosquito numbers low in space
The virus is transmitted to individuals and animals — primarily pigs, horses and migratory birds — via mosquito bites.
It can’t be transmitted immediately from human to human nor from animal to human.
Tropical Public Health Unit director Richard Gair mentioned JEV had not been detected in any individuals in the world.
“It is an remoted space and the mosquito numbers are very low,” Dr Gair mentioned.
“It is only fairly hardly ever that people will get the illness, and in the event that they do get it, they are not infectious.
“An individual with extreme illness could current with irritation of the mind, characterised by sudden onset of vomiting, excessive fever and chills, extreme headache, sensitivity to mild, neck stiffness and nausea and vomiting.”
Five individuals, together with one in Queensland, are reported to have died of the illness this yr with greater than 40 human circumstances detected throughout the nation.
Dr Gair mentioned whereas there was a vaccine out there for the illness, the most effective defence was to keep away from being bitten by mosquitoes, via making use of insect repellent and sporting free clothes to cowl up.
The illness is endemic in southern areas of Asia, in addition to India and is detected seasonally in China.
Dr Gair mentioned it couldn’t be transmitted by consuming pork or pig merchandise.
In a press release, Bio info update security Queensland mentioned landholders in the world had been contacted by the division about the constructive samples detected in feral pigs.
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