Sydney, Dec 31
Health authorities in Victoria, Australia's second-most populous state, on Tuesday issued a high-risk warning after identifying a human case of a deadly mosquito-borne virus.
The Department of Health in Victoria announced that a probable human case of Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus has been identified in a resident of the state's north. It is the first human case of JE virus—a potentially deadly flavivirus related to dengue and yellow fever—in Victoria during the current summer. This situation has prompted a warning for people to take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
"The risk of mosquito-borne diseases remains high in the coming weeks. Taking measures to avoid mosquito bites is critical to protect against infections," stated the alert issued by Victoria's Acting Chief Health Officer, Christian McGrath. According to the World Health Organization, one in 250 human infections with JE virus results in severe clinical illness. The virus can cause a rare infection of the brain that may lead to seizures, hearing or vision loss, paralysis, or even death.
The Victorian Department of Health alert emphasized that residents of, and visitors to, communities along the Murray River in the state's north are potentially at higher risk of infection. It noted that children aged five years and younger, as well as the elderly, are at greater risk of developing severe illness if infected with the JE virus.
Meanwhile, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has used his New Year's message to declare that the country can become stronger in 2025. In a short video message released on Tuesday, Albanese described Australia as the greatest country in the world. "And in the year ahead, with new determination and renewed optimism, we can build an even stronger Australia together," he said.
He thanked Australians who have worked through the holiday period, including defence force personnel, emergency service and health workers, as well as people in hospitality and retail, for their sacrifices. Albanese expressed hope that everyone has had time to relax and celebrate. He will face a general election in 2025, where his Labour Party aims to win a second term in power. The election must be held by May.
In his own New Year's message, Peter Dutton, leader of the opposition Coalition, stated that 2025 presents an opportunity for Australia to get "back on track."