Japanese encephalitis virus spreads to new Australian territories

Mosquitoes carrying the deadly Japanese encephalitis virus have spread to new Australian territories, including Brisbane, raising public health concerns. Warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns are expanding mosquito breeding grounds and the geographic range of these disease-carrying insects, leading to increased detections in populated areas. While a vaccine is available and free for high-risk individuals, officials urge the public to take extra precautions against mosquito bites due to the expanding threat.