Fatal virus feared in East Timor

Fatal virus feared in East Timor

CANBERRA (Reuters): Australian health authorities issued an urgent warning on Wednesday to people traveling to East Timor after one person died of the mosquito-borne virus Japanese encephalitis and three other cases were reported.

The Communicable Diseases Network Australian New Zealand (CDNANZ) advised people to ensure they were fully vaccinated before spending a prolonged period in East Timor where a United Nations peace-keeping force is currently stationed.

CDNANZ spokeswoman Vicki Krause said 25 percent of people who contracted the disease died and another 30 percent were left with permanent brain damage.

"While only a small proportion of people who contract Japanese encephalitis develop symptoms, it is devastating for those who feel its full effects," Krause said in a statement.