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ISTANBUL: (Bernama-AA) Australia has detected Japanese encephalitis and Murray Valley encephalitis viruses, which can cause brain swelling and death, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported, citing health officials.
The New South Wales Health Department said late Tuesday (Jan 7) that the virus was detected in mosquitoes and advised people to avoid being bitten by the insects.
It added that the virus was also detected in feral pigs.
Health officials also said Murray Valley encephalitis virus infection was detected in sentinel chicken flocks last month.
"Both of these viruses can cause severe brain swelling (encephalitis) and even death.
"Symptoms of brain swelling include neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, seizures, paralysis, and coma," the department said in an advisory.
New South Wales has detected no human case of Japanese encephalitis since October 2022.
Australia only has vaccines for Japanese encephalitis, said the health authorities. - Bernama-AA
