A new study predicts the changing climate will provide increased opportunities for the spread of novel viruses.
JEV has been present in parts of far northern Australia like the Tiwi Islands and the top of Cape York for years, but had never been detected further south until this year.
"Increasing rainfall leading to flooding can create the preconditions for the main vector of Japanese encephalitis," Dr De Barro says. "So you've got greater sources of the virus and lots more of the mosquitoes that are able to spread it."Increased rainfall can produce higher mosquito populations, leading to an increased spread of vector-borne diseases.
There are other factors at play in the way any illness spreads, such as vaccination, insect control, quarantine and even farming practices, and scientists want to make clear climate change is not the only cause.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
WHO to rename monkeypox virus to avoid discriminationUrgent move to change name comes after scientists call it ‘inaccurate’ and ‘stigmatising’ as virus spreads
Read more »
How this futuristic plan could help a nation on the 'frontline' of climate changeSome say the Pacific island nation Tuvalu could be underwater within a century. This entrepreneur believes it's time to consider how technology like virtual worlds might help.
Read more »
I am not a plagiarist – and here’s why | John HughesEvery artist takes. What else do we do but endlessly recycle stories? It’s been going on since the ancient Greek tragedians
Read more »
I am not a plagiarist – and here’s why | John HughesEvery artist takes. What else do we do but endlessly recycle stories? It’s been going on since the ancient Greek tragedians
Read more »
Chris Bowen says energy shortage due to 'decade of under-investment' in renewablesEnergy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen has blamed the intervention by Australia's energy regulator on the electricity market on under-investment in renewable energy technology.
Read more »
Over a third of US population urged to stay indoors amid record-breaking heatMore than 125 million people under heat alerts as record high temperatures set throughout US, particularly in the south-west
Read more »