NSW Reports First Japanese Encephalitis Case This Summer

Tejal Somvanshi

A man in NSW was hospitalized with the Japanese encephalitis after a mosquito bite after a camping trip.

Photo Source - dr_relling (CC BY 2.0)

This is the first case of the summer, prompting health warnings from NSW Health.

Photo Source - Special Collections (Flickr)

The virus spreads through mosquito bites but cannot be passed from person to person or by eating pork.

Photo Source - Pulaw (CC BY 2.0)

Most infected people do not develop symptoms, but some may experience fever, headache and vomiting within 5 to 15 days.

Photo Source - Chrisdonia (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Severe cases, though rare affecting less than 1% of infected people, can cause confusion, seizures, or even paralysis.

Photo Source - MRSA Infection (Flickr)

Up to 30% of severe cases can be fatal, and half of the survivors may develop permanent brain conditions.

Photo Source - 19melissa68 (CC BY-NC 2.0)

NSW Health is offering a free vaccine for people in high-risk inland areas. Dr Jeremy McAnulty emphasized the importance of vaccination for people in affected regions.

Photo Source - NIAID (CC BY 2.0)

Preventative measures include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves, and avoiding outdoor activities at dawn and dusk. Installing insect screens and removing standing water can help stop mosquitoes from breeding nearby.

Photo Source - Mike Mozart (CC BY 2.0)

Other mosquito-borne viruses, like Murray Valley Encephalitis and Ross River virus, also pose a risk.

Photo Source - Bannon Keft (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Anyone feeling unwell after mosquito bites should see a doctor immediately, and severe cases require urgent medical attention.

Photo Source - Misericordia University (Flickr)