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Australia - Japanese Encephalitis 2022

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  • #31
    Source: https://www.health.gov.au/health-ale...current-status

    ...Current status


    For information about JEV and animals visit the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website.

    As at 31 March 2022:

    There are 34 human cases of JEV in Australia

    24 have been confirmed with definitive laboratory evidence:
    • New South Wales (10)
    • Queensland (2)
    • South Australia (3)
    • Victoria (9)

    10 are probable cases where the person has been linked epidemiologically and/or has symptoms of the disease and has laboratory suggestive evidence*:
    • Queensland (2)
    • South Australia (5)
    • Victoria (2)
    • NSW (1)

    * laboratory suggestive evidence is strongly indicative of JEV but cannot entirely rule out other related flaviviruses like Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE).

    Sadly, 3 people have been reported to have died as a result of JEV. One in New South Wales, one in South Australia and one in Victoria...

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    • #32
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      • #33
        Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-...pigs/100974084

        Japanese encephalitis virus detected in feral pigs in the NT's West Daly region
        By Lauren Roberts
        updated 7h ago

        The first active cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JEV) have been detected in the Northern Territory, after a small number of feral pigs in the West Daly region have tested positive to the virus...

        ...NT's chief veterinary officer, Sue Fitzpatrick, said there had been no cases recorded in the territory since a person in the Tiwi Islands died with the virus in March last year.

        Since then, the Northern Territory has increased its surveillance program in its animal population.

        Dr Fitzpatrick said the virus was detected "during a routine survey" in the West Daly and the pigs were asymptomatic...

        ...To date, all mosquito samples tested in NT have been negative for JEV...

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        • #34
          Immediate notification
          Japanese encephalitis, Australia

          ...
          General Information

          COUNTRY OR ZONE
          ZONE

          DISEASE
          Japanese encephalitis

          STARTED ON
          18-02-2022

          ANIMAL TYPE
          TERRESTRIAL

          CONFIRMED ON
          22-03-2022

          REASON
          Unusual host species

          CAUSAL AGENT
          Japanese encephalitis virus

          ENDED ON
          18-03-2022

          DISEASE CATEGORY
          OIE-listed

          REPORTED ON
          19-04-2022

          LAST OCCURRENCE
          -

          Epidemiology

          SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
          - Vectors


          EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
          Likely a spillover event into an alpaca as occurs with horses, associated with current Japanese Encephalitis outbreak in Australia relating to pigs and humans. Flavivirus have been detected in alpaca overseas (West Nile Virus).

          ...

          Outbreaks

          ob_101360 - Two Wells


          OUTBREAK REFERENCE
          SAIP1

          STARTED ON
          18-02-2022

          EPIDEMIOLOGICAL UNIT
          Farm

          NUMBER OF OUTBREAKS
          -

          ENDED ON
          18-03-2022

          AFFECTED POPULATION DESCRIPTION
          Neurological signs, recumbency, required euthanasia.

          APPROXIMATE LOCATION
          Two Wells

          FIRST ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
          South Australia

          SECOND ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
          Mallala

          THIRD ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
          -

          GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATES
          Lat : -34.5928

          Long : 138.5127


          SPECIES MEASURING UNIT SUSCEPTIBLE CASES DEATHS KILLED AND DISPOSED OF SLAUGHTERED/KILLED FOR COMMERCIAL USE VACCINATED
          Alpaca (Vicugna pacos):Camelidae-Artiodactyla NEW Animal - 1 0 1 0 -
          TOTAL Animal - 1 0 1 0 -
          - NEW Animal - 1 0 1 0 -
          TOTAL Animal - 1 0 1 0

          ...
          "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
          -Nelson Mandela

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          • #35
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            • #36
              Follow-up report 4
              Japanese encephalitis, Australia

              ...
              General Information

              COUNTRY OR ZONE
              COUNTRY

              DISEASE
              Japanese encephalitis

              STARTED ON
              19-01-2022

              ANIMAL TYPE
              TERRESTRIAL

              CONFIRMED ON
              25-02-2022

              REASON
              First occurrence in a zone or a compartment

              CAUSAL AGENT
              Japanese encephalitis virus

              ENDED ON
              14-04-2022

              DISEASE CATEGORY
              OIE-listed

              REPORTED ON
              19-04-2022

              LAST OCCURRENCE
              -

              Epidemiology

              SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
              - Vectors


              EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS

              Outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis have been reported in piggeries in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. This represents a significant change in the virus’ presence in Australia. Serological evidence of Japanese encephalitis is periodically detected in the Torres Strait region of northern Australia but has not previously established transmission on mainland Australia. Climate conditions of above median rainfall and warmer minimum temperature may be a factor in the current event. Sequencing was conducted on selected JEV-positive swine samples for genotyping and confirmation. Analysis of the sequences indicated that all the complete and partial genomes belonged to JEV genotype IV and all sequences were more than 98% similar to each other across the covered regions. Comparison of the genomes to publicly available reference sequences showed highest nucleotide identity to JEV/sw/Bali/93/2017 (LC461961.1; ~ 96.7% nucleotide identity), a genotype IV sample collected from Indonesia in 2017.

              ...
              Quantitative Data Summary
              down
              MEASURING UNIT
              Animal

              SPECIES SUSCEPTIBLE CASES DEATHS KILLED AND DISPOSED OF SLAUGHTERED/KILLED FOR COMMERCIAL USE VACCINATED MORBIDITY (CALCULATED) MORTALITY (CALCULATED)
              Swine NEW 21868 - - - - - - -
              TOTAL 427506 - - - - - - -
              - NEW 21868 - - - - - - -
              TOTAL 427506 -
              ...
              "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
              -Nelson Mandela

              Comment


              • #37
                Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)

                ...

                Current status


                For information about JEV and animals visit the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website.

                As at 20 April 2022:

                There are 37 human cases of JEV in Australia

                25 have been confirmed with definitive laboratory evidence:
                • New South Wales (11)
                • Queensland (2)
                • South Australia (3)
                • Victoria (9)

                12 are probable cases where the person has been linked epidemiologically and/or has symptoms of the disease and has laboratory suggestive evidence*:
                • Queensland (2)
                • South Australia (5)
                • Victoria (3)
                • NSW (2)

                * laboratory suggestive evidence is strongly indicative of JEV but cannot entirely rule out other related flaviviruses like Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE).

                Sadly, 3 people have been reported to have died as a result of JEV. One in New South Wales, one in South Australia and one in Victoria.

                ...
                "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                -Nelson Mandela

                Comment


                • #38
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                  • #39
                    Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/dise...em/2022-DON365

                    Japanese encephalitis - Australia

                    28 April 2022


                    Outbreak at a glance
                    As of 28 April 2022, a cumulative of 37 human cases of Japanese encephalitis (25 laboratory-confirmed cases and 12 probable cases) have been reported in four states in Australia with symptom onset dating back to 31 December 2021. This outbreak represents the first locally-acquired cases detected on the Australian mainland since 1998. Enhanced and targeted surveillance activities are ongoing to better understand the extent of transmission and to inform control activities. Further investigations are needed to assess the ongoing risk in Australia.

                    Description of the outbreak

                    On 7 March 2022, the Australian health authorities notified WHO of three laboratory-confirmed human cases of Japanese encephalitis (JE). The first human JE case was reported on 3 March 2022 from Queensland. As of 28 April 2022, the Australian Government’s Department of Health reported 37 cumulative confirmed and probable human cases of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection, including three deaths (2 confirmed, 1 probable). Twenty-five confirmed cases were reported from four states: New South Wales (11 cases, 1 death), Queensland (2 cases), South Australia (3 cases) and Victoria (9 cases and 1 death). In addition, 12 probable cases have been reported from: New South Wales (2 cases), Queensland (2 cases), South Australia (5 cases, 1 death) and Victoria (3 cases) (Figure 1).
                    Figure 1. Distribution of confirmed (n=25) and probable (n=12) human cases and deaths (n=3) of Japanese encephalitis (JE) and states in which JE virus has been detected in pigs, Australia, 2022.

                    The number of JE cases and deaths reported in 2022 is unusually high as compared to only 15 cases notified in Australia in the ten years prior to this outbreak. Of these 15 cases, only one case was acquired in Australia in the Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory; the remaining 14 cases were acquired overseas. These are also the first known locally-acquired detections of JE in humans in these states of Australia and the first detections in mainland Australia since a single case was detected in 1998 in Cape York, Queensland.
                    JEV, which infects both humans and animals, has also been detected in animals in Australia. In late February 2022, JEV was confirmed in commercial pig farms in the states of New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, then in South Australia in early March. Affected piggeries had experienced unusual levels of reproductive losses and neonatal deaths. As of 20 April, JEV has been detected in 73 pig farms across the four states. Prior to February 2022, infection with JEV has not been previously detected in animals further south in mainland Australia than the northern peninsula area of Cape York.

                    Epidemiology of Japanese Encephalitis
                    Although a rare disease in humans, JE is a serious viral infection caused by the JEV spread by infected Culex spp. mosquitos in Asia (e.g. Culex tritaeniorhynchus) and parts of the West Pacific (e.g. Culex annulirostris). Numerous wild and domestic animal species can become infected, although most do not develop clinical signs and only a few develop sufficient viraemia (when the virus is present in bloodstream) to infect the mosquito vector which can result in further transmission. In natural cycles, wading birds such as herons and egrets are the important amplifying hosts, although pigs also develop significant viraemia that can infect vectors. The species most important in the ecology of the disease in Australia are yet to be determined.
                    JEV cannot be transmitted from human to human, or by consuming meat from an infected animal. Prior to this outbreak, JEV was considered unusual in Australia. Previously, JE was only rarely reported in humans in the north of Australia in Queensland (Torres Strait Islands and northern parts of Cape York Peninsula), with only 15 cases notified in Australia in the past ten years prior to this outbreak; only one of these cases acquired their infection in Australia with the remainder acquired overseas. In early 2021, one human case was reported from the Northern Territory (Tiwi Islands). The source of infection for this case remains unknown. The population of Australia is unlikely to have any significant natural immunity from prior infection, including asymptomatic infection, because the virus is not endemic to mainland Australia.
                    The vast majority of JEV infections are asymptomatic. There are no treatments for JE and the case fatality rate among symptomatic cases can be as high as 30%. Permanent neurologic or psychiatric sequelae can occur in 30–50% of cases with encephalitis. In an immunologically naïve population, all age groups are at risk for JEV infection. There are two JE vaccines for humans registered for use in Australia only advised for risk groups. There is no vaccine for animals registered for general use in Australia. A vaccine is available for use under permit in horses intended for export, and work is underway to make this vaccine available under an emergency use permit so that horse owners can protect their animals.

                    Public health response

                    The Australian Government’s Departments of Health and Agriculture, Water and Environment are working closely with state and territory government counterparts and affected animal industries to ensure a coordinated response across human and animal health. The Australia Government has declared the JE outbreak a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance under the Emergency Response Plan for Communicable Disease Incidents of National Significance. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing with increased and targeted surveillance activities being carried out. Australian authorities are implementing vector control activities to remove potential mosquito breeding sites, reduce vector populations and minimize individual exposures.

                    WHO risk assessment

                    Human, animal and environmental investigations are ongoing to understand the increased transmission of JEV in humans and animals in Australia in 2022 and better assess the current and future risk. Serological evidence of JEV exposure is periodically detected in animals in the Torres Strait Islands off the north coast of Queensland, but transmission on the mainland has not been previously established. The current event therefore represents a significant change in the presence of the virus in Australia. Local transmission of JEV to humans requires environmental conditions capable of sustaining an enzootic cycle, thus, the risk of infection can vary substantially within any endemic country. JE transmission intensifies during the rainy season, during which vector populations increase. Internationally, there has not yet been evidence of increased JEV transmission following major floods or tsunamis.
                    Thirty-seven confirmed and probable cases of infection with JEV including three deaths have been identified in Australia with symptom onsets from 31 December 2021. The latest symptom onset of the cases was 14 March 2022. The cases were reported from four different states, three of which had no history of past local JE virus transmission. Vaccination against JEV is not used for the general population in Australia and is usually only advised for people travelling to endemic regions and for people undertaking activities with increased risk of exposure, thus, the immunologically naive population could be more susceptible to severe disease. As the colder months approach in southern Australia, a reduction in mosquito populations, and with that, a reduction in transmission is expected in all susceptible species.
                    The risk at the regional and global level is assessed as low. The JEV does not transmit between humans, therefore the likelihood of international disease spread among humans is low. However occasional overseas acquired cases have been reported among unvaccinated individuals returning from an area with active transmission.

                    WHO advice

                    Vector control: WHO recommends increased public awareness of JEV in the affected states and the implementation of activities to remove potential mosquito breeding sites, reduce vector populations and minimize individual exposures, including vector control strategies targeting both the immature and adult stages of the mosquito. Vector control should include environmental management (eliminating stagnant pools of water including waste/polluted water) and chemical control (including larval control and adult vector control including residual spraying of walls of animal shelters with approved insecticides). Homes near pig farms or animal shelters should be protected with mosquito-proof screens on windows and doors.
                    Personal protective measures: The peak biting period of Culex vectors is during the evening (after sunset) and night. Personal protective measures including use of mosquito repellent, should be encouraged. Insecticide-treated mosquito nets provide good protection during sleep at night.
                    Surveillance:
                    • Strengthened surveillance is needed to assess the burden of JE, identify cases, inform vaccination strategies, monitor vaccine safety, and monitor the impact and effectiveness of JE vaccines. All JE-endemic countries are encouraged to carry out at least sentinel surveillance with laboratory confirmation of JE.
                    • Seroprevalence studies in pigs and feral pigs populations in affected states are needed to assess the magnitude of the risk. If seroprevalence in pigs is high, further seroprevalence studies in at-risk human communities are needed.
                    • Entomological surveillance using simple ovitraps with hay infusion near farms will support vector surveillance and monitoring the impact of control methods.
                    Vaccination: Vaccine strategies should be designed and implemented with due consideration for the fact that, in an immunologically naïve population, all age groups are at risk for JEV infection.
                    • During outbreaks: The value of reactive vaccination campaigns during outbreaks of JE has not been studied. If an outbreak occurs in a country or region where JE vaccination has not been introduced, an assessment needs to be made of whether it is appropriate to implement an immediate vaccine response, including considerations such as the size of the outbreak, timeliness of the response, population affected, and programmatic capacity. Due to the need for rapid production of protective antibodies, rapid deployment of at least one dose of live attenuated or live recombinant vaccines should be used.
                    • Routine immunisation: JE vaccination should be integrated into national immunization schedules in all areas where JE is recognized as a public health priority. Even if the number of JE confirmed cases is low, vaccination should be considered where there is a suitable environment for JEV transmission, i.e. presence of animal reservoirs, ecological conditions supportive of virus transmission, and proximity to other countries or regions with known JEV transmission. Adjunctive interventions, such as bednets and mosquito control measures, should not divert efforts from childhood JE vaccination. As JE is not transmitted person-to-person, vaccination does not induce herd immunity and high vaccination coverage for individual protection should be achieved and sustained in populations at risk of the disease. This will allow JE disease in humans to be virtually eliminated despite ongoing virus circulation in the animal cycle.
                    • Endemic areas: The most effective immunization strategy in JE endemic settings is a one-time campaign (possibly wide age range) in the primary target population, followed by the introduction in routine immunization for infant birth cohorts as defined by local epidemiology.
                    Travel and trade: WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions based on the current information available on this event...




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                    • #40
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                      • #41
                        Source: https://www.health.gov.au/health-ale...irus-jev/about

                        Current status


                        For information about JEV and animals visit the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website.

                        As at 18 May 2022:

                        There are 42 human cases of JEV in Australia

                        29 have been confirmed with definitive laboratory evidence:
                        • New South Wales (13)
                        • Queensland (2)
                        • South Australia (4)
                        • Victoria (10)

                        13 are probable cases where the person has been linked epidemiologically and/or has symptoms of the disease and has laboratory suggestive evidence*:
                        • Queensland (3)
                        • South Australia (5)
                        • Victoria (4)
                        • NSW (1)

                        * laboratory suggestive evidence is strongly indicative of JEV but cannot entirely rule out other related flaviviruses like Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE).

                        Sadly, 4 people have been reported to have died as a result of JEV. One in New South Wales, one in South Australia, one in Victoria and one in Queensland.

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                        • #42
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                          • #43
                            Source: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/P...220523_00.aspx

                            NSW records its second death of person with Japanese Encephalitis
                            23 May 2022

                            NSW Health has recorded a second death of a person with Japanese encephalitis.

                            Sadly, NSW Health can confirm the man in his 60s from the Corowa area, who was diagnosed with Japanese encephalitis virus in early March, died at Albury Base Hospital on Friday 20 May.

                            To date a total of 13 NSW residents have been infected with JE and two have died. While evidence shows mosquito numbers have declined, it remains important that people throughout the state continue to take steps to avoid mosquito bites.

                            Since the first notification of Japanese encephalitis in late February 2022, NSW Health has been working closely with local health districts and primary health networks in affected areas to coordinate vaccination efforts.

                            This includes working with GPs and other relevant stakeholders to ensure all those currently at highest risk of exposure to Japanese encephalitis are able to access government-funded vaccine.

                            People considered higher risk for exposure include workers in piggeries, animal transport, veterinarians and students working with pigs, laboratory workers handling Japanese encephalitis, entomologists and others engaging in animal and mosquito trapping for surveillance. NSW Health encourages people in these groups to talk to their GP about getting a JE vaccine...

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                            • #44
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                              • #45
                                Source: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/nat...ource=rss_feed

                                Japanese Encephalitis death in Queensland confirmed amid quiet spread
                                By Stuart Layt
                                May 26, 2022 — 3.31pm

                                As NSW recorded the latest death from Japanese Encephalitis in Australia this week, it has come to light that Queensland has also recorded a death from the disease, but at the very beginning of the current outbreak.

                                Queensland Health confirmed to Brisbane Times on Thursday a person died from JEV in Queensland in February this year, but has not confirmed any other details of the patient...

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