Communities in Griffith and surrounding areas are encouraged to take measures to protect themselves against mosquito bites following detections of the Japanese encephalitis virus. Photo: Zbynek Pospisil.
Residents in the north-western Riverina region are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites after detecting the Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus.
Murrumbidgee Health District said in a statement last week that NSW Health’s routine mosquito surveillance had detected JE virus in Griffith.
NSW Health undertakes mosquito surveillance across NSW from November to April each year, which provides important information about when mosquito-borne disease risk is elevated.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District Public Health Director Alison Nikitas said the virus was detected in a mosquito sample taken at Lake Wyangan on 3 December 2024.
“Now is the time to get vaccinated and take precautions against mosquito bites,” Ms Nikitas said.
“Japanese encephalitis is a rare but serious illness caused by the JE virus, which is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes.
“In January last year, eligibility criteria for free access to the JE vaccine was expanded to include all NSW residents living in high-risk regional areas, which includes Griffith.”
JE vaccine is available through local General Practitioners (GPs), Aboriginal health services and pharmacists. People who meet the above criteria should make an appointment ahead of time and let them know it is for the JE vaccine. These providers may require a few days’ notice so they can order the vaccine.
There have been no human JEV cases in NSW since October 2022.
Mosquitoes in NSW can potentially carry a range of other viruses for which there are no vaccines including Murray Valley encephalitis, Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses.
Actions to prevent mosquito bites include:
- Applying repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times
- Wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants, covered footwear and socks
- Avoiding going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially dawn and dusk
- Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas)
- Covering windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps
- Removing items that may collect water, such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed
- Using repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions
- Protecting infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges
- While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering or sleep under a mosquito net.
Information on eligibility for a free JE vaccine is available on the NSW Health website.
For further information on the JE virus and ways to protect yourself, visit the NSW Health website.
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