Japanese encephalitis outbreak reaches SA as authorities race to control outbreak
ABCThe outbreak of Japanese encephalitis is now impacting four states as public health officials work to contain it. Key points: The virus has been detected at 21 piggeries, three human cases have been confirmed and the federal government predicts more cases will be detected The Chief Veterinary Officer says it's unusual to detect JE so far south Pork SA says piggeries will still be able to operate, but restrictions are in place Since the potentially fatal mosquito-borne virus was first detected near the New South Wales-Victoria border last week, cases have been recorded in Queensland and South Australia. A Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment spokesperson said three cases of Japanese encephalitis had been confirmed in humans, and a number of possible cases were under investigation. This is what you need to know about the potentially deadly Japanese encephalitis virus Photo shows Mosquito biting human skin. "Japanese encephalitis is a virus carried by mosquitoes from water birds or pigs to humans or horses," Mr Schipp said.