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Zika virus found in Australian travellers returning from South America, virologist says
By Anne Barker
Updated about 4 hours ago
Australian virologists say the mosquito-borne Zika virus, linked to brain damage in thousands of babies in Brazil, has already been discovered in Australia in travellers returning from South America.
However, for the virus to spread, it would need the right species of mosquito to act as a vector.
So far only one such mosquito is present in Australia ? the Aedes aegypti mosquito ? which is found only in far north Queensland.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued new advice warning Australians, particularly pregnant women, to reconsider plans to travel to 22 countries affected by the virus, including many in South and Central America, and the Pacific island nation Samoa.
More...
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-...tralians-returning-from-south-america/7115568
By Anne Barker
Updated about 4 hours ago
Australian virologists say the mosquito-borne Zika virus, linked to brain damage in thousands of babies in Brazil, has already been discovered in Australia in travellers returning from South America.
However, for the virus to spread, it would need the right species of mosquito to act as a vector.
So far only one such mosquito is present in Australia ? the Aedes aegypti mosquito ? which is found only in far north Queensland.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued new advice warning Australians, particularly pregnant women, to reconsider plans to travel to 22 countries affected by the virus, including many in South and Central America, and the Pacific island nation Samoa.
More...
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-...tralians-returning-from-south-america/7115568