A free vaccination for Japanese encephalitis is available to those who live in the Riverina. Photo: Kemalbas.
A second confirmed human case of the potentially deadly Japanese encephalitis (JE) has been identified in a resident of northern Victoria, with authorities saying this person was exposed to the virus while in the Riverina region of NSW on the Murray River.
JE is a rare virus, similar to dengue and yellow fever, which is spread by mosquito bites and causes swelling in the brain. The fatality rate of those with severe JE can be as high as 30 per cent.
NSW Health reported in February that a man in his 70s from northern Sydney died after battling the virus for several weeks. He was also infected by it while holidaying in the Riverina.
His death marked the first JE-related fatality in NSW this year, and the third since the virus was first detected in the state in May 2022.
“JE virus has also been detected through environmental surveillance along much of the Murray River in Victoria from Mildura to Moira,” Dr Tarun Weeramanthri, Victorian Chief Health Officer said.
“Additional human cases of Japanese encephalitis have been reported in NSW and Queensland.
“JE virus has also been detected in mosquito populations and at piggeries across Victoria, NSW and Queensland this summer.
“Residents and people visiting northern Victoria and inland riverine regions of eastern Australia, particularly near the Murray River, are potentially at higher risk of infection and should take measures to prevent mosquito bites.”
Dr Tarun Weeramanthri said people could avoid mosquito bites by using mosquito repellent containing picaridin or diethyltoluamide (DEET) on all exposed skin.
“Wear long, loose fitting clothing when outside, and ensure accommodation, including tents are properly fitted with mosquito nettings or screens,” she said.
NSW Health says a JE vaccine can reduce a person’s chances of catching the virus.
A free vaccination is available for people aged two months or older who live or routinely work in any of several rural local government areas, including Griffith, Wagga, Leeton, Narrandera and Albury.
A free JEV vaccination is also recommended for people who live in any part of NSW and work in or visit a piggery, including farm workers and their families (including children aged two months and older) living at the piggery, pig transport workers, veterinarians (including veterinary students and nurses) and others involved in the care of pigs; as well as those who visit or work in a pork abattoir or pork rendering plant.
If you are eligible for a free JE vaccine, you can speak to your general practitioner (GP), pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service about getting vaccinated. A side effect of the vaccine could be a fever or headache.
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