The spectre of mosquito-borne diseases has once again cast a shadow over the country, with the recent death of a man in his 70s from Japanese encephalitis (JE) sparking an urgent health warning.
This tragic event, which occurred in a Sydney hospital, marks the first JE-related fatality in New South Wales in nearly three years and serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by these tiny but potentially deadly insects.
The man who succumbed to JE had been receiving treatment since early February, believed to have contracted the virus while on holiday in Murrumbidgee in January. This incident is the first JE-related death in NSW since May 2022 and the state’s third since the mosquito-borne disease was first detected earlier that year.
Additionally, a woman in her 60s is currently being treated for JE in a hospital in northern NSW, likely having caught the disease while on her Tenterfield Shire property.
Japanese encephalitis is a rare yet severe viral brain infection transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. While the disease cannot be spread from person to person or contracted through the consumption of pork, the consequences of an infected mosquito bite can be dire.
Symptoms, which typically emerge five to ten days after the bite, range from headaches and neck stiffness to convulsions, disorientation, and even coma. For those who develop a serious illness from JE, the outcomes can be as severe as lifelong neurological damage or, as in the recent case, death.
In light of the recent JE cases, NSW Health has issued an urgent warning to residents, emphasising the importance of taking precautions against mosquitoes. Dr Jeremy McAnulty, NSW Health’s executive director of health protection, has highlighted the availability of a safe and effective vaccine against JE.
He urges not only those living in affected regions but anyone travelling west of the Great Dividing Range to be vigilant, especially if they plan to spend time outdoors.
The risk of JE is a serious consideration for Australians, particularly those who enjoy outdoor activities or travel to regions where the virus is present. To protect against mosquito bites, health authorities recommend the use of repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus, particularly during peak mosquito times at dawn and dusk.
As we navigate the warmer months, when mosquito activity is at its highest, it’s crucial to be proactive in preventing bites. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, using mosquito nets, and ensuring that living areas are free from standing water where mosquitoes can breed are all effective strategies.
For our readers over 50, who may be more vulnerable to severe outcomes from infections like JE, it’s especially important to be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions. If you’re planning a trip or live in an area known for mosquito-borne diseases, consider discussing vaccination options with your healthcare provider.
Have you taken steps to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases? Do you have any tips for fellow YourLifeChoices readers on how to stay safe from these pests? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below, and let’s help each other stay informed and healthy.
Also read: Deadly virus detected in piggeries: Are humans at risk?
