Japanese encephalitis has been making a trek south from Japan recently. It has gotten all the way to Australia, leaving the question of how it got this far south. One theory is that it has traveled so far south because of changing weather conditions. These weather conditions bring water to flood plains, wetlands, and other habitats that are favorable to both mosquitoes and waterbirds that carry the virus and can spread it to humans. Another theory is that mosquitoes and birds are migrating south at the time. While there are many theories, it's still not known for sure why it is traveling so far south.
So, how do people in Australia protect themselves from this virus that is relatively new to them? There is a vaccine available for Japanese encephalitis that is recommended for those who are high risk for Japanese encephalitis, however it is not very widespread and only a few Australians are vaccinated against it. The best way to prevent the spread of this virus is through insecticides and personal protection against mosquito bites. If Australians can prevent getting bitten by infected mosquitoes in the summertime, which is mosquito season, then they should be able to keep the cases of Japanese encephalitis down.
No comments:
Post a Comment