High-Risk Warning Issued for Lethal Mosquito-Borne Virus in Southeastern Australia
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Sydney, Dec 31 (NationPress) Health officials in Victoria, Australia's second-largest state, on Tuesday released a critical warning following the identification of a human case of a lethal mosquito-borne virus.
The Victorian Department of Health confirmed that a probable human case of the Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus has been detected in a resident from the northern region of the state.
This marks the first documented human case of the JE virus—the potentially fatal flavivirus linked to dengue and yellow fever—in Victoria during this summer, leading to a call for residents to enhance their protective measures against mosquito bites.
Christian McGrath, the Acting Chief Health Officer of Victoria, stated, “The threat of mosquito-borne diseases remains significant in the upcoming weeks. It is essential to take steps to prevent mosquito bites to safeguard against infections.”
The World Health Organization indicates that approximately one in 250 human infections of the JE virus leads to severe clinical conditions. This virus can inflict a rare brain infection, potentially resulting in seizures, hearing or vision loss, paralysis, or even death.
The alert from the Victorian Department of Health specified that residents and visitors in areas along the Murray River in northern Victoria may face a heightened infection risk, according to Xinhua news agency.
It further noted that children aged five and under, along with the elderly, are particularly vulnerable to severe illness if infected with the JE virus.
In other news, Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, utilized his New Year’s address to assert that the nation has the potential to emerge stronger by 2025.
In a brief video message released on Tuesday, Albanese hailed Australia as the greatest country in the world.
“In the coming year, with renewed commitment and optimism, we can collaboratively forge an even more robust Australia,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to Australians who continued to work during the holiday season, including defense personnel, emergency service providers, health workers, and those in hospitality and retail sectors, acknowledging their sacrifices and hoping everyone had a chance to unwind and celebrate.
Albanese faces a general election in 2025, where his Labour Party seeks a second term in power, with the election required to occur by May.
In his own New Year’s message, Peter Dutton, leader of the opposition Coalition, remarked that 2025 presents an opportunity for Australia to get “back on track.”
