Urgent health alert after Aussie dies of rare virus: 'Incredibly unlucky'
On Tuesday, NSW Health confirmed a man in his 70s died in a Sydney hospital after contracting Japanese encephalitis (JE). It is suspected he contracted the virus in the Murrumbidgee region in January. And, while an entomologist told Yahoo News those infected are "incredibly unlucky", there has been a handful of cases sprouting up and causing concern in NSW and Victoria recently.
"These two cases of JE virus [in NSW], one of which was infected while travelling for a holiday, shows it is very important all people take precautions against mosquitoes, not just those living in affected regions," NSW Health's Executive Director of Health Protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said. "JE is a risk you must consider."
This is the state's third recorded death since JE was first detected in 2022.
Mosquitos develop JE by biting an infected animal and then passing this onto a human, with the mosquito's spit carrying the virus. Cases are more common in the Murray Darling Basin region of the country — an area that stretches over NSW and Victoria, and extends to small parts of Queensland and South Australia — and this is heightened in wetland areas.
"We don't often see activity of the JE virus along the highly populated east coast of Australia, which is good news," entomologist Cameron Webb told Yahoo News. "It tends to occur to the west of the Murray Darling Basin region... it's more inland."
Populations are sparser away from the coast which bodes well for lessening infection rates. And the rate of symptom development even when bitten by an infected mosquito is low, meaning it is quite rare to develop JE.
"We do know for Japanese encephalitis virus, as few as one in 250 people who are actually bitten by an infected mosquito develop symptoms. So that's one of the reasons why we see so few cases," Webb continued. "You've got to be incredibly unlucky to be infected."
More than 90 per cent of JE virus infections are asymptomatic, according to Victorian Department of Health.
🦠 Family's Bali nightmare amid disease outbreak in tourist hotspots
‼️ Scientists use toxins to kill off world's most dangerous creature
🦟 Could this tiny gadget reduce itch caused by mosquito bites?
However, the case-fatality rate among those with JE can be as high as 30 per cent, according to the World Health Organisation, meaning the virus needs to be taken seriously.
JE is "one of the only mosquito-borne viruses in Australia, where we have a vaccine available", Webb explained, so those who live or work in high risk areas are encouraged to get it. This sentiment is echoed by health authorities.
"Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to avoid mosquitoes, and there is also a safe and effective vaccine available," McAnulty said.
Using skin repellents that contain DEET are encouraged and wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants with covered footwear can help ward off unwanted bites. Avoiding peak mosquito times such as dawn and dusk, and ensuring windows and doors have insects screens can drastically reduce your risk of getting infected.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Why your matcha obsession may be messing with your iron levels, nutritionists explain
The world has developed a thirst for matcha – a bright green Japanese drink that's sought after for its health benefits and caffeine. However, the drink of choice for many may have a downside. Not only is its popularity drying up global supplies, but drinking too much of it could contribute to an iron deficiency. Nutritionists warn the green lattes can affect iron absorption and vegetarians are at a higher risk than meat eaters. Matcha is made from the green tea plant, Camellia Sinensis, which is ground into a powder. Because it's grown in the shade the plant produces more chlorophyll, which not only gives it a deep green colour but also means it contains more nutrients. Rob Hobson, a nutritionist and author of Unprocess Your Family Life, explains the drink does have health benefits. 'It contains polyphenols which protects the body against oxidative damage. So, it helps to reduce inflammation which then helps to protect against chronic diseases,' he told the Independent. 'Because it contains caffeine it helps with mental focus. But it also contains L-theanine which helps to lessen that jittery edge that you get from caffeine,' he added. Research has also suggested these polyphenols in matcha can reduce the risk of heart disease. But the same health boosting polyphenols also make it harder for the body to absorb iron. Gunter Kuhnle, a professor of nutrition and food science at the University of Reading explained matcha tea can affect iron absorption by binding the (non-haem) iron that is found in many plant foods – such as lentils, leafy greens and tofu. 'It contains the compounds catechins and tannins – which are both polyphenols – that can bind to iron in the digestive tracts, and this stops them from being taken up by the body,' Professor Kuhnle told the Independent. 'These complexes then pass through the gut and are not useful for the body – this can reduce iron uptake by up to 50 per cent, but this varies a lot between individuals and depends on the timing of the meal and the type of food,' he added. He explained there is a similar problem with green tea because it also contains high levels of polyphenols. Although rare, in one instance a 48-year-old man became anaemic from excessive green tea consumption Professor Kuhnle said. Mr Hobson stressed that you don't need to worry if you have a balanced diet, but warned vegetarians are at a greater risk. That's because it only affects non-haem iron which is in tofu and lentils and not haem iron which is found in meat. 'If you are vegan or vegetarian and you are relying on lentils, leafy green and tofu for your iron, then you might want to avoid drinking matcha with your meals because it can inhibit iron absorption in the gut,' Mr Hobson said. He also stressed that if you are low in iron anyway and take iron supplements, you should avoid taking these at the same time as drinking a matcha. An iron deficiency, also called anaemia, can cause tiredness, shortness of breath, paler skin, headaches and heart palpitations, according to the NHS. Low iron is common among teenage girls, vegans and vegetarians with a study by Lund University in Sweden finding 38 per cent of participants who were teenage girls and 70 per cent of participants who were vegetarian or vegan, affected by the deficiency. If you want to reap the health benefits of matcha, in addition to not drinking it at mealtimes, make sure to avoid adding a lot of syrup or cream. Mr Hobson instead suggests the healthiest option is to drink it plain.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
I followed the Japanese walking method for 30 days — here's what happened to my back pain and energy levels
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. As a fitness editor, I'm not one for health fads and trends, but when I tried the Japanese Interval Walking Training (IWT) method a month ago, I was immediately hooked. The interval walking method originated in Japan, and is a form of HIIT training which promises to burn more fat than steady-paced walks and lower your blood pressure at the same time. A month later, I'm still doing it, and it's transformed my postnatal back pain and energy levels — read on to find out more. What is the Japanese interval walking method? As a refresher, here's what the walking workout entails: Set a timer on your watch or phone and walk for three minutes at a low intensity. This should be a 4/10 effort — you're still moving, but you should easily be able to hold a conversation with someone next to you. Then walk three minutes at a high intensity. This is a 7/10 walking effort — you should be working hard. Keep switching between paces for 30 minutes. What does the science say? Studies have found IWT has several health benefits. After three months of doing a 30-minute interval walk three times a week, participants had a lower blood pressure and cholesterol, increased leg strength, and more aerobic capacity than those who walked continuously at a moderate pace for the same time. You'll also burn more calories following the Japanese interval walking method than heading out for a steady 30-minute walk, as you'll increase your heart rate during those faster intervals. If you are walking to lose weight, it's a good idea to wear one of the best fitness trackers to see how many calories you're burning, as weight loss is the result of consuming less than you burn (often referred to as being in a calorie deficit). I'm still following the Japanese interval walking method a month later — here's why It's transformed my lower back I'm 18 months postpartum, and while I'm physically able to do pretty much everything I could before having a baby, my lower back is still suffering. I had sciatica before my pregnancy, and the added weight of carting a toddler around on my hip means I'm experiencing a lot of stiffness in my lower back postpartum. Walking is great for back pain, as it can reduce inflammation in the lower back and improve blood flow to the area. It can also increase the range of motion in the hips, which can help alleviate pain. If you are suffering from sciatica, always check with your doctor beforehand, and don't walk at a pace that feels uncomfortable on your back. Walking workouts can also work on your core strength, which can, in turn, help support and stabilize your spine, reducing pain. Think about engaging your core when you walk, keeping your back straight, and sucking your belly button into your spine. I've found that doing the Japanese interval walking method a few times a week has helped me break up long periods of sitting behind my desk with a walk, and as a result, I've not been anywhere near as stiff. Granted, some days the walk involves pushing my toddler in the running stroller and powering along, or keeping an eye on my unruly cocker spaniel, but it's become part of my routine, and one I enjoy. It's boosted my energy levels There's being tired, then there's being a mom. While I'm (thankfully) out of the days of newborn exhaustion, my baby still wakes at least once a night, so I'm still pretty far from the recommended nine hours of sleep. I've found that on days when I've averaged five hours of sleep, the Japanese interval method is much kinder on my body than heading out for a run, and I've even managed to complete the workout with a coffee in one hand (file that under mom multitasking). There's science behind these mood-altering feelings — walking can increase blood flow around the body, combating fatigue. You'll also work hard for 30 minutes and receive a flood of endorphins, the body's natural mood-boosting chemicals, when you get back through the door. What are you waiting for? Grab some sneakers and get walking. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. More from Tom's Guide I did the 12-3-30 treadmill workout for a month — here's my results Forget running — 3 walking workouts that build lower body strength and burn calories Forget 10,000 steps — I tried 'rucking' instead of regular walking for one week, and it's a game changer
Buzz Feed
19 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
12 Genius Products To Help Hot Sleepers Get Better Rest
As a longtime hot sleeper, I understand firsthand how difficult it is to get quality z's when it seems as though your body has a built-in sauna. Plus, in summer, sleep is bound to be even more sweaty and less comfortable. But by making a few changes to your sleeping setup, you can be on your way to a cooler snooze session in no time. Some of these tweaks include swapping out heavier sheets and comforters for more lightweight, breathable options and enlisting the help of a powerful tower fan to keep air circulating around your bedroom. You can find these hot sleeper solutions and more on our list below, which contains reviewer-approved items that may help you achieve a more comfortable (and cooler) night's sleep. A mattress with enhanced cooling technology A better night's sleep starts with a reliable mattress. The Serta iSeries Hybrid provides plenty of support in addition to being outfitted with a special cooling cover called MaxCold to help regulate your body temp whole you review: "After more time searching and reviewing mattresses than I thought I would do, we finally settled on this mattress. And weeks into use, I can say that we love this mattress. It's amazing what better sleep can do to one's quality of life. If this mattress is at the top of your list, get it here direct from Serta." —CA_JimGet it from Serta for $1,599.99+ (available in sizes twin–California king and four firmness levels). A cooling mattress topper reviewers say also helps with back pain Solve two problems in one with this cooling mattress topper that, according to reviews, both keeps hot sleepers cool through the night and "eliminated back pain" for one shopper. The topper comes in nine colors and sizes twin to California king. The embossed topper has a three-zone design to regulate temperature and provide support. The deep pocket stretches up to 21 review: "We purchased a new bed and really like the support and pretty much everything else. After a week of actually sleeping on it we realized how hot it was and kept waking us up during the night. I started looking at different toppers but was hesitant because of how much we had already spent on the mattress. On one of these nights, I sat up grabbed my phone and got on Amazon. I spent about 30 minutes reviewing comments and prices before purchasing this one. It has been 3 nights of awesome sleep! My husband and I both have said, it's a game changer. We still have the support of the memory foam but not the more waking up sweating, it's soft and the price point is perfect!" —Me llamoGet it from Amazon for $34.99+. A cooling blanket This double-sided blanket uses Japanese Arc-Chill technology to absorb body heat to keep sleepers cool throughout the night. It comes in several colors, including beige, blue, dark gray, green and pink and from sizes 51 inches by 67 inches to 90 inches by 108 inches. Promising review: "My girlfriend is a werewolf, and she radiates heat like a nuclear reactor. She sleeps with a very small cheap anime throw blanket, the central a/c at 60, and a fan full blast that could make a tornado change direction - and yet she is still hot. Then I got her this blanket and today I woke up with the fan at only half power and I could actually feel my face, she sleeps so soundly and comfortably and doesn't heat up as much. The silky side retains a pretty constant cool feeling throughout the night and just feels really great. Overall, If you're a hot sleeper, this is the one. Highly recommend." —Emil NovoaGet it from Amazon for $24.83+. A set of cooling eucalyptus sheets Sijo's hypoallergenic eucalyptus sheets are perfect for hot sleepers as they're ultra-soft and cooling. The set includes one fitted sheet, two pillowcases and the option to add a flat sheet. They come in 13 colors and in sizes twin to California review: "This is the only sheet/duvet set I've ever found that ACTUALLY cools you down. I usually sleep so hot, but with this set I wake up not sweaty for the first time ever." —Dylan them from Sijo for $95+. A set of bamboo pajamas This bamboo pajama set is moisture-wicking and breathable for a cool night's sleep. The set features a satin V neckline and satin hems on the boxer shorts, which have an elastic waistband for ultimate comfort. It comes in a huge range of colors, including gray, pink, purple, blue, black and red and in women's sizes S–4X. Promising review: "I can't say enough about these PJs! I've told a lot of ppl about them and I've purchased several different styles for myself! These pjs are super soft, cooling, and lightweight. I run hot in the night and these pjs have helped with the night sweats and uncomfortable stickiness." —Bonny BGet them from Amazon for $33.99+. A lightweight down alternative comforter Brooklinen offers its top-rated down comforter in a variety of weights, including a summer-friendly lightweight option. The lightweight choice features down cluster fill with a cotton sateen shell that is antimicrobial and hypoallergenic. It comes in three sizes, from twin/twin XL to king/California review: "This comforter is like a cloud. Never have I ever been more excited to get into bed. I bought it because I run hot when I sleep and I have no regrets. I was worried that my 20 lb weighted blanket and 80 lb couch potato dog would depress the filling, but it survived the test and is still as wondrously fluffy as when I first unpacked it." —Andrea it from Brooklinen for $143.65+ (originally $169+). An oscillating fan to keep your room cool The Pelonis 40-inch oscillating tower fan saves me every summer and its narrow design makes it perfect for small spaces. It has three pre-set modes: natural, which mimics the less-predictable rhythm of an outdoor breeze; sleep, which starts off strong and slows down gradually as you drift off; and normal, which is, well, normal. It also has three intensity settings (low, middle, and high), along with an 'eco' energy-saving setting. It also comes with a battery-operated remote control (just remember to buy your own batteries, since they aren't included). Promising review: "Using this fan in my bedroom and it has been GREAT! Much quieter than old style floor fan and the ECO and sleep modes work very well. There's all types of bells and whistles on this fan, but so far each feature has been great. My sleep quality has definitely improved since the air circulation is more evenly distributed and I don't have to constantly adjust the fan. The fan is not loud; just a low enough hum. But, I've always liked the white noise of a fan. I'm also dealing with the occasional hot flashes, so this fan is plus. I absolutely won't be able to go back to a window or circle oscillation fan. I'm a tower fan convert." —ALAGet it from Amazon for $63.60+ (available in two colors). A set of reviewer-beloved cooling sheets under $60 in all sizes Many sheet sets under $60 are microfiber, but if you prefer the cooling effect of bamboo sheets, we found an affordable option in this Shilucheng sheet set, which is made with a rayon blend derived from bamboo. They come in a ton of colors and sizes full to California king. When picking your mattress size, you can also choose between a four- or six-piece set, which includes two extra pillowcases in addition to the standard two, a flat sheet and a fitted sheet. The rayon and polyester blend is heat- and moisture-absorbing to leave you cool and dry, and hot sleepers have raved about the sheets' cooling properties in the them from Amazon for $36.99+. A BedJet cooling and warming system It's rare to find a sleeping accessory that benefits both hot and cold sleepers, but this BedJet climate control system does just that. It uses funneled ventilation to automatically adjust the temperature in your bed for each hour of the night. You can still use your own sheets other bedding that you already have or use the BedJet sheets that are specifically designed to distribute more air from the funnel. You can also get on-demand cooling or heating thanks to the included remote review: "I get extremely hot when I sleep to the point of sweating and it's gotten to be almost a daily thing. For the last few years, I had been sleeping on top of my comforter with only a small blanket because I would get too hot sleeping under a comforter. When even that began to feel too hot during the summer, I got the bed jet to cool my bed and now I can comfortably sleep under a comforter and still remain cool. One of the best purchases I have ever made." —Janet ClarkGet it from Amazon for $552. A cooling memory foam pillow Tempur-Pedic's Tempur-Cloud Breeze dual cooling pillow has a gel layer on both sides to promote cool sleeping and is made of pressure-relieving materials that provide comfort for your neck, head and shoulders. It comes in a queen or king review: "LOVE this pillow! I get sooo hot at night and have had to always flip my pillows several times a night! This pillow keeps me cool ALL night! I'm mostly a stomach and side sleeper and it is soft enough to do that; but it also is firm enough when I'm on my back reading or watching TV! Highly recommend!!!" —Paul GandyGet it from Amazon for $92.99+. A tumbler to keep at your bedside If you often wake up in the middle of the night feeling parched, you may want to add an insulated tumbler to your nightstand. This stylish 40-ounce bottle comes with a straw lid to prevent spills and keeps your beverages cold all night. It comes in so many colors and patterns, ranging from florals to checkerboards to tie dye and so much review: "Just as pretty as the trending brand's style. I got the sea glass sage color and it is the perfect muted color. Keeps my iced drinks super cold all day (and all night—it's the perfect bedside table cup!). It fits in my car's cup holders too! It checks all my boxes and is a major win for the price!" —KelseyGet it from Amazon for $29.98+. A pair of blackout curtains Keep out the sun's heat while you sleep with these thermal insulated blackout curtains. They come in nine colors and 11 sizes up to 52 inches by 95 review: "We are having a heat wave, and these do a great job of blocking out the heat from the sun. They block out most of the light. I will probably buy more of these for other windows that I am using different coverings on. We are staying cool, and saving money on the electric bill!" —Amazon customerGet them from Amazon for $22.99+.
