An encephalitis outbreak has now spread across a number of states around Australia with 16 confirmed cases of the virus nationally and two deaths. Queensland has one confirmed case. South Australia (SA) Health has said that the virus was identified in four South Australians who all required hospitalization, AAP reported The department also noted that three of those cases were contracted locally. In Victoria, there have been seven confirmed cases of the virus and one death. The state Department of Health told AAP that the deceased was a man from northern Victoria in his 60s that died on Feb. 28 of indeterminate causes until his autopsy revealed that he died as a result of Japanese encephalitis. The department said they were not aware of how the man contracted the virus and are currently investigating the death. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” a department spokesperson said …
RSS Feed | The Epoch Times