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A lethal mosquito-borne illness that kills about one in 5 of those that catch it’s rising throughout Australia.
State well being companies from Queensland to Western Australia have recorded a troubling uptick in Murray River encephalitis circumstances, a uncommon however harmful sickness that may kill or result in everlasting neurological injury similar to paralysis and mind injury.
NSW Well being has recorded six circumstances of Murray River this yr in contrast with zero circumstances in 2022, a single case in 2021 and 0 circumstances in 2020 and 2019.
Queensland Well being has recorded two circumstances this yr in contrast with none within the earlier 4 years to 2019.
South Australia has additionally recorded a case of the illness, characterised by fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, its first prior to now 5 years.
In Western Australia, two individuals have died from the illness this yr, together with a toddler who died after being bitten within the West Kimberley area in March.
In February, Victoria recorded its first case and dying from Murray River encephalitis since 1974 after a lady in her 60s died from a chunk.
There is no such thing as a therapy for Murray River encephalitis and SA Well being recommends the most effective defence is to keep away from being bitten within the first place.
“Individuals ought to use mosquito repellents containing both DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus which were authorised by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority,” the company states.
Flood occasions, such because the River Murray flood in SA between November 2022 and February 2023 or the Kimberley flood in WA over the New Yr interval can result in a rise in mosquito breeding.
And whereas an anticipated El Nino-driven surge in scorching, dry climate might scale back mosquito numbers in inland Australia, College of South Australia professor Craig Williams stated the most important inhabitants centres would probably stay susceptible.
“The cities are by the ocean, so that you’ll have coastal mosquitoes, which is able to proceed to breed and they aren’t at all times pushed by rainfall, however their breeding websites could be from tidal motion,” he stated.
“There’s additionally city mosquitoes which are within the built-up areas of town that can proceed to do effectively.”
Instances of different mosquito-borne illnesses similar to Ross River and dengue fever fluctuate from state to state however have a tendency to point out secure or declining numbers.
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