JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS – THE UNLUCKY ONE IN A MILLION

In the past couple of weeks, many Australian states have experienced sub-zero temperatures. Scared off by the chill, Aussies flee the country in search of some sunshine.

South-East Asia with its pristine beaches, bargain shopping and friendly locals has long been a popular destination for Australians. Unfortunately, tourists aren’t the only living organisms who enjoy the heat.

Mosquitos thrive in tropical weather and are known to spread diseases such as Malaria, Zika Virus and Dengue Fever rapidly through the Asian countries. Seasonal tropical weather also heightens the risk of these diseases being spread.

Many tourists are well aware of the above diseases and prepare accordingly. However, there’s another deadly virus that is too often forgotten.

Japanese Encephalitis is a rare mosquito borne disease that is estimated to affect somewhere around the number of one in a million.

The virus is known to be hosted in animals, primarily pigs and aquatic birds, and is spread to humans by the bite of infected Culex species mosquito.

There has been 10 reported cases of Japanese Encephalitis in Australian travellers since 2001. The latest case being that of a 60-year-old male who died after contracting the disease holidaying in Thailand this year.

The perceived rarity of the disease is often cited as a reason for not vaccinating against it. Despite the advice of travel doctors and reputable sources.

The World Health Organisation reports that around 30% of those infected will die and up to half of survivors are left with permanent brain injury.

Vaccinating against Japanese Encephalitis isn’t cheap in Australia, with the two necessary shots costing upwards of $250.

Many people not travelling to high risk areas will instead rely on alternative methods of protection.

Appropriate clothing and DEET sprays are effective. But it’s not always possible to keep skin covered and repellent sprays wear off quickly. Especially if the warm weather is causing you to sweat.

HealthGuard® Premium Protection is designed to be sprayed on clothing, hiking gear, backpacks and other fabrics. Treating garments prior to travel helps create a durable barrier that is long-lasting and low maintenance.
Treated garments have been independently tested by leading universities and hospitals to reduce mosquito blood feeding by 98.9%. A great sales point for adventure wear retailers and bulk producers alike.
Your garments will continue to provide up to 85% efficient protection. Even after several cleans!
When travelling to tropical countries HealthGuard® Premium Protection treated garments are essential for travellers. Because, although the risk of Japanese Encephalitis is incredibly low, prospects of a full recovery are also slight.