Australia battles spread of 'potentially deadly' Japanese encephalitis virus
The virus has infected a total of 16 people with two confirmed deaths Australia said Friday it is buying extra vaccines to fight the potentially deadly, mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis virus, which has spread down the flood-hit east coast for the first time. Previously confined to the tropical north, since late February Japanese encephalitis has travelled as far south as South Australia — infecting a total 16 people with two confirmed deaths, according to state health authorities. More extreme rainfall events have brought greater numbers of mosquitoes to eastern Australia, one scientist said, as the country battles higher temperatures blamed on climate change that mean the atmosphere holds more moisture. There is no specific treatment for the disease, which is spread only by mosquito bites. Fewer than one per cent of people infected may develop a serious illness such as encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain tissues, Australia’s federal health ministry said. Sy...