Japanese encephalitis clinical update: Changing diseases under a changing climate.

BACKGROUND: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne arbovirus endemic to the Asia-Pacific that causes high morbidity and mortality in those who develop symptomatic disease. Prior to 2021, only five locally acquired cases had been detected in Australia, all in northern Australia. Following a sentinel case in 2021, widespread dissemination of JEV was detected in northern and south-eastern Australia, accompanied by an increase in locally acquired cases, which have been detected as far south as Victoria. This expansion has occurred in the setting of warmer and wetter conditions under the influence of climate change. OBJECTIVE: To provide Australian general practitioners (GPs) an overview of JEV, given its recent expansion, and the potential for sustained endemicity. DISCUSSION: As the distribution of JEV expands under the influence of climate change, Australian GPs need to be familiar with this condition, especially those practicing in rural areas and where detections have occurred.

General practice in the era of planetary health: Responding to the climate health emergency.

BACKGROUND: It has been a decade since a landmark Lancet publication declared that 'climate change is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century'. Since then, Australia has experienced unprecedented warming related to climate change and an associated increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, storms, bushfires and air pollution. These events have had major impacts on community physical and mental health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to describe the health impacts of climate change and the role of general practitioners (GPs) in responding to these impacts. DISCUSSION: While the clinical skills that underpin general practice have not changed, the environmental and planetary context has shifted. A 'planetary health' approach is required. Climate change should now be considered a health emergency. GPs have a critical role in mitigation and adaptation. Responding to climate change aligns with principles of preventive health and can produce 'co-benefits' for individual and population health.