Mosquito-Borne Diseases risk hits Australia

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Experts say record-breaking floods in Australia are allowing mosquitoes to thrive, increasing the risk of spreading diseases like Japanese Encephalitis.

Communities across three states have in recent days been hit by flooding, and more torrential rain is forecast this week. Parts of eastern Australia have been repeatedly flooded in the past two-years.

Mosquitoes need stagnant water. Immature insects emerge from eggs and develop underwater until they become pupae, and then adults. Females require blood before laying eggs and can inject saliva and virus into humans when they bite.

Mosquito-borne diseases are a perennial problem in Australia, where thousands of people are infected with the Ross River virus each year.

In 2021, Japanese Encephalitis gained a significant foothold in Australia for the first time.

More than 40 people were infected with the virus, and seven people died, according to government data.

The virus moves between mosquitos and water birds. Pigs, too, can also harbor the virus.

The illness it causes can be mild, but in some cases, patients can suffer seizures.