A deadly virus that killed two people in recent months and infected nine more is back in Australia.
Residents are being urged to take immediate action after new findings show that Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) is more widespread in the state than previously thought.
What are the symptoms of the JEV virus?
The virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, has been spreading rapidly after recent wet weather events, including Cyclone Alfred and various floods, which have led to a surge in mosquito numbers.
On Thursday morning’s episode of The Briefing, we speak to Aussie mum Bec Gilliland, whose 4-month-old son contracted JEV, leaving him with lifelong neurological issues. She shares her experience of living with the aftermath of the virus.
We also hear from Dr Daniel Rawle, Head of Emerging Viral Diseases at Berghofer, who offers expert advice on how to protect ourselves from this deadly virus.
Gilliland recalled the day her son first contracted the virus: “He was unresponsive, and I just panicked and picked him up. I didn’t know what to do.”
She said that, in the aftermath of the JEV virus, speech has been the most significantly impacted.
“It’s frustrating when you go on social media and see posts and trolls claiming it’s all a made-up illness.”
Despite a few isolated cases of JEV across the country, health authorities are concerned that it’s not being taken seriously enough.
Dr Rawle emphasises the importance of using mosquito repellent, wearing protective clothing, and clearing stagnant water from properties to minimise the risk.
“It’s a very serious illness that you do not want and we know it can be fatal. So most of the Australian population is naive to this virus, which means they haven’t received the vaccination or they haven’t been infected by the virus yet,” Dr Rawle said.
“There is a threat that we will see more cases and that’s not something that anybody wants.”
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