Early Arrival of Mosquito Season Sparks Health Concerns Over Two Viruses

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Early Arrival of Mosquito Season Sparks Health Concerns Over Two Viruses

Mosquito season has begun earlier than usual, raising health concerns in New South Wales (NSW) regarding two significant mosquito-borne viruses. NSW Health is advising residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves.

Health Risks from Mosquito-Borne Viruses

The Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) poses a notable risk this season. It is categorized as a rare but serious infection that affects the central nervous system and is transmitted by certain mosquito species.

Affected Areas in NSW

Sixty local government areas (LGAs) in NSW are identified as higher-risk zones.
Key areas include Lismore, Orange, Albury, Upper Hunter, Liverpool Plains, and Broken Hill.
The risk is particularly pronounced in northern NSW and regions west of the Great Dividing Range.

Last week, the first detection of JEV this summer was reported in mosquitoes found in Victoria, approximately 350 kilometers north-west of Melbourne.

Additional Virus Detection

Another concern is the Kunjin virus. It was recently identified in a chicken blood sample collected in Cowra, western NSW, during routine health surveillance in late November.

How These Viruses Spread

Both viruses are transmitted when a mosquito bites an infected animal, such as waterbirds, pigs, or horses, before they bite a human host. Direct human-to-human transmission is not a possibility.

Recommendations for Protection

Dr. Stephen Conaty, director of health protection at NSW Health, expressed concern regarding these early detections.

He stressed the likelihood of increased mosquito populations with rising temperatures. Dr. Conaty reminded residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites, as they can transmit not only JEV but also Murray Valley encephalitis, Kunjin virus, Ross River virus, and Barmah Forest virus.

Residents are encouraged to take preventive measures as the warm weather progresses. Staying vigilant can help mitigate the risks associated with these mosquito-borne viruses this summer.