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.