Thursday, January 13, 2011

Australia and Mosquito Borne Viruses


A short article from Sky News in Australia shows that mosquito borne viruses are on the rise in South Australia.  The alert was expected to make the public aware and try to protect themselves from being bitten. 

I thought this was particularly interesting, after Prof. Siegel just mentioned Australia and their efforts to combat dengue by releasing mosquitos infected with Wabaccia.  The news release on January 11, 2011, also states that “two cases of potentially fatal dengue fever have been reported in Adelaide.”  The diseases were both contracted internationally, but concerns of possible spread persist.  Additionally, 70 people have been infected with  Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses in December compared to the 28 cases reported the previous year.

Mosquito control measures will be taken, but I imagine the numbers of mosquitoes have increased because of the increased rain and floods that have hit Australia.

Diana
I love Oz!

No comments:

Post a Comment