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Mosquito-borne disease risk increases for river communities facing third La NiñaMosquito numbers and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases are likely to increase this spring and summer in river communities as La Nia brings wet conditions to large parts of the country. Key points: The CSIRO says wet and warm conditions are leading to an increase in mosquito numbersAuthorities are concerned about the potential spread of Japanese Encephalitis VirusPeople are advised to use insect repellent, wear lo …

VICTORIAN doctors who treated an infant with Japanese encephalitis in one of the state’s first cases have shared their experience, urging fellow clinicians to be mindful of the differential diagnoses. It raises the question: is the mosquito-borne disease here to stay?Doctors from the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne described the case of a previously well 4-month-old boy who presented with febrile convulsions after a 2-day prodrome of fevers, reduced energy and feeding, which progressed to …

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has been detected in Australia. Anyone who gets bitten by an infected mosquito is at risk of getting JEV. The good news is there are simple steps we can take to protect ourselves from mosquitoes: Remove water holding containers where mosquitoes may breed. Use a mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus and be sure to follow the label instructions. Wear long, loose fitting clothing. Light colored clothing is best. Properly fit mosqu …