SYDNEY: Concern over the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is rising in the Aussie state of Victoria, as a new serosurvey has hinted that there could be more infections than previously expected.
The serosurvey, released by the state’s department of health on Monday, collected blood samples and questionnaires from more than 800 individuals in northern Victoria.
It found that about one in 30 participants had previously contracted JEV, which led the health authority to believe that there may have been more infections than the reported case number of 13 during last year’s mosquito season.
Besides, participants showing evidence of prior infection were aged between 25 and 90, majority male with a median age of 73. They were identified in all three regions that participated in the survey, namely Loddon Mallee, Goulburn Valley, and Ovens Murray.
The health department noted that one case of human infection had already been recorded this mosquito season, warning that the virus continues to persist in parts of Victoria.
Aussie State
The vaccination eligibility criteria has also been extended to seven new local government areas. “By finding more cases than we were previously aware of, this important research reinforces the risk to all in the community that mosquito-borne diseases pose, especially in light of recent flood activity,” said Victoria’s deputy chief health officer Deborah Friedman.
While vaccination against JEV is available, there are multiple mosquito-borne diseases known to be circulating in Victoria, including Murray Valley encephalitis and West Nile virus, for which vaccine is not available.
Residents encouraged to adopt preventive measures
Residents are encouraged to adopt preventive steps to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing long, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing, using insect repellents, clearing stagnant water around homes or properties, and avoiding the outdoors when mosquitoes are observed. — Xinhua/APP
