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Japanese Encephalitis virus could be far more widespread in northern Victoria than authorities first supposed.
A new survey, which took blood samples from 800 people in the three regions, the Loddon Mallee, Goulburn Valley, and Ovens Murray, found that around 3 per cent of participants had evidence of a prior infection.
This suggests that the 13 recorded cases during last year’s mosquito season may be a vast underestimation.
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Victoria’s Deputy Chief Health Officer Associate Professor Deborah Friedman said the survey results outline the risk posed to the community.
“There are sensible steps people can take to avoid mosquito bites,” she said.
“Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, use insect repellents, clear stagnant water around homes or properties, and avoid the outdoors when mosquitoes are observed, especially at dusk and dawn.”
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