Authorities have issued a health warning for northern Victoria after Japanese encephalitis was detected in mosquitoes in the region. The state’s early warning system identified the virus in two mosquito traps within Moira Shire, marking the first mosquito-borne disease detections of the season.
The detection follows similar findings in New South Wales and a confirmed human case of Japanese encephalitis reported in Victoria last December.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Tarun Weeramanthri, confirmed that the detection indicates the virus is actively circulating in the state’s northern areas. “Japanese encephalitis virus can lead to a rare but serious infection of the brain, transmitted to humans via mosquito bites,” Weeramanthri stated.
He advised residents and travelers to exercise caution, particularly in inland riverine areas near the Murray River, where the risk of infection may be higher.
The health warning serves as a reminder for people in the affected regions to take precautions against mosquito bites.
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