South Australians are being warned to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes after the state confirmed its first locally acquired detection of Japanese encephalitis.
Three cases have so far been identified in SA.
A recent investigation into 10 people who had acute encephalitis over the past month revealxjmtzywed four of those cases were Japanese encephalitis.
All 10 people needed to be hospitalised, with seven of them still there, and one person died.
Parents and caregivers are warned to be particularly cautious, as children aged under five have a higher risk of developing encephalitis if infected with the virus.
The Health Department’s Health Protection and Licensing Services executive director Chris Lease said it was more important than ever to take extra precautions against being bitten by the bug.
“As we head into the long weekend, and with Easter right around the corner, it’s an incredibly timely reminder to take precautions against mosquito bites,” he said.
“People planning activities around the River Murray are warned to be especially vigilant, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.”
Those who contract flaviviruses, like Japanese encephalitis, Kokobera virus, West Nile virus, and Murray Valley encephalitis virus are mostly asymptomatic or have a mild fever, but for some, it's far more serious and develop encephalitis that could be fatal or cause lifelong neurological damage.
Confusion or having headaches, neck stiffness, tremors, drowsiness and seizures are some possible symptoms.
While some vaccines are available, Dr Lease said the best way to avoid getting infected was to avoid being bitten altogether.
He encouraged residents to apply an insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin if outdoors and to try to stop the insects from coming indoors.
Using mosquito coils and covering up with long loose fitting clothing was also recommended.
“Simple changes around the home can help to reduce and eliminate mosquitoes, such as cleaning up water around the house to prevent breeding and installing mosquito-proof mesh on doors and windows,” Dr Lease said.
“It is important that people remain vigilant in protecting themselves against mosquito bites, particularly during periods of warmer weather when mosquito activity is high.”
