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Residents, Travellers Urged To Stay Alert As MVE Activity Is Detected In Western Australia The WA Health Department urges residents and travelers in Western Australia to protect themselves from mosquito bites. The advisory comes after the Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus was detected in mosquitoes in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions. According to the WA Health Department, there are no cases of MVE among Western Australia citizens. While the increase in possible mosquito-borne virus activity is not uncommon in the region at this time of the year, vigilance towards health remains key in avoiding health risks. Moreover, while the risk of infection and suffering symptoms of MVE remain low, Australians should seek immediate medical attention should they feel unwell. Symptoms of MVE include dizziness, drowsiness, fever, headache, nausea, and stiff neck. To avoid mosquito bites, Australians are encouraged to avoid outside in peak mosquito hours such as at dawn and early evening. Should there be a need to go outside, wearing long and loose-fitting clothes while also applying mosquito repellent is advisable. Homes can be made more mosquito-repellent by keeping grass short around the house and installing insect screens on openings such as doors and windows.

Rural Med Schools, Placements Seek To Address Doctor Shortages In AU Rural medical schools and doctor assignments to the country are becoming more prevalent across Australia, a move that the country’s health sector is hoping could help address doctor shortages in remote locations. These trends are part of what appears to be a cultural shift where both doctors and institutions are pursuing more medical professionals to work in rural areas to accommodate healthcare needs in those regions. Medical schools such as the University of New South Wales now offer medical education opportunities for students through rural medical schools. Training in general practice, psychiatry, and emergency medicine are the only ones currently available in these institutions, with medical experts hoping more specialty training is covered in the future. Other medical schools are also encouraging young medical practitioners to consider placements in rural areas. A University of Queensland research in 2023 showed that medical students undergoing 12-week placements in rural areas are around seven times more likely to end up working in remote locations. New South Wales today has three locations that offer full medical degrees for aspiring doctors. This is a win for the medical field, as NSW has not been able to offer opportunities for studying medicine rurally until 2017. The move is also a push towards addressing concerns stated in a 2022 inquiry into NSW regional health, wherein witnesses in rural areas expressed concerns about having to wait “weeks and months” to see GPs and specialists.

Aussies Encouraged To Make Covid-19 Plans With GP If They Are Vulnerable To Symptoms Most Australians at a higher risk of Covid-19 don’t have plans with their GP if they are affected by symptoms, according to a new study. As per Pfizer, 74% of Australians who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 have yet to create a medical plan on how they can recover should they experience symptoms. Experts from non-profit Street Side Medics urge Australians to speak with their GPs and other appropriate medical professionals to ensure they are cared for, especially if they are medically vulnerable. Australians may become at a higher risk of COVID-19 symptoms if they are: over 50 years old, have existing health conditions such as heart disease, respiratory conditions, diabetes, and if they are immunocompromised. While Australians are eligible for antiviral medicines to help alleviate COVID-19 effects, they must take them as soon as they test positive for COVID-19 and within five days of the first signs of symptoms. This helps ensure they are eligible for such medication and secure their availability should the need arise.

Whooping Cough Surge in Australia: What You Should Know Australia is currently grappling with a surge in whooping cough cases, with over 2,799 cases reported in the first three months of 2024. Queensland and New South Wales are the worst affected states, each recording over 1,000 cases. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. Initial symptoms mimic those of a common cold, but progress to severe coughing fits often accompanied by a characteristic "whoop" sound. This disease is particularly dangerous for newborns who haven't yet received vaccinations, but it can affect individuals of any age. Antibiotics are used to treat whooping cough, but prevention through vaccination is key. Vaccination is recommended for children and pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program, as well as adults who may be in close contact with infants. However, immunity from vaccines can wane over time, necessitating booster shots. The surge in cases may be attributed to missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to reduced immunity in the population. Additionally, the bacteria responsible for whooping cough has been evolving, with some strains becoming resistant to antibiotics. Current vaccines remain effective against most strains of whooping cough and are essential in limiting the outbreak. Tracking of the evolving strains is crucial for informing future vaccine development. To protect oneself and the community, it's important to stay up-to-date with vaccinations and to avoid contact with infants if experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms. Regular check-ins with healthcare providers can ensure vaccination status is current and help prevent the spread of this potentially serious disease.