Australia detects fatal Japanese, Murray Valley encephalitis viruses
With no human case found so far, people advised to avoid mosquitos in New South Wales
ISTANBUL
Australia has detected Japanese encephalitis and Murray Valley encephalitis viruses which can cause brain swelling and death, according to health officials.
New South Wales Health Department said late Tuesday that the virus was detected in mosquitoes, advising people to avoid the flies from biting them.
The virus was also detected in feral pigs, it added.
Health officials also said Murray Valley Encephalitis virus infection was detected in sentinel chicken flocks last month.
“Both of these viruses can cause severe brain swelling (encephalitis) and even death. Symptoms of brain swelling include neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, seizures, paralysis and coma,” the department said in an advisory.
The New South Wales has detected no human case of Japanese encephalitis since October 2022.
Australia only has vaccines for Japanese encephalitis, said the health authorities.
