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Japanese Encephalitis Detected in New South Wales, Public Health Alerts Issued and Vaccination Efforts Underway

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Japanese Encephalitis Alert Issued in NSW: Vaccinations Underway Amidst Widespread Detections

Australian health authorities have issued public health alerts following the detection of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in New South Wales, prompting increased precautions against mosquito bites. The virus, capable of causing severe neurological illness, has been identified in sentinel chickens and is linked to a probable human case in the Riverina region.

Efforts are underway to provide free vaccinations to eligible individuals in identified high-risk areas across NSW and Victoria, as there is no specific treatment available for the illness.

Detection and Circulation

Japanese encephalitis virus has been detected in New South Wales, leading to public health advisories. A probable human case of JE involves a man in his 60s, believed to have been exposed in the Riverina region in late December.

The virus was also detected through sentinel chicken blood samples in the Riverina region and the Upper Lachlan Shire, near Goulburn, in early January. Sentinel chickens are utilized as an early warning system, as they can contract mosquito-borne viruses without exhibiting illness, thereby indicating viral activity in an area.

JE was initially detected on mainland Australia in 2022, marking an expansion of its established range. The recent detections suggest the virus is circulating in inland regions.

About Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne virus that can lead to severe neurological illness. Symptoms may include headache, confusion, convulsions, and reduced consciousness. The illness can be life-threatening, and there is no specific medical treatment available.

Risk Factors and Previous Cases

Increased mosquito populations, often following heavy rainfall, warm weather, and flooding, elevate the risk of JE transmission, particularly in rural and agricultural sectors.

Public health officials have reported several fatalities from JE, including two men who contracted the illness in the Murrumbidgee area of NSW last year. While no human cases of JE have been reported in Victoria for the 2025–26 season, areas such as Indigo Shire are among 12 Victorian council areas identified as high-risk for mosquito-borne illnesses.

Vaccination Information

A safe and effective vaccine against the JE virus is available free of charge for eligible individuals. Health authorities encourage eligible Australians to obtain vaccination promptly.

Eligibility in New South Wales:

  • Residents and routine workers in inland regions.
  • Individuals in specific high-risk occupations.
  • In Federation Shire, the vaccine is free for individuals aged two months or older who live, work, or volunteer and are at risk of mosquito bites.
  • Those vaccinated over a year ago are advised to consult their healthcare provider regarding potential booster doses.

Eligibility in Victoria (e.g., Indigo Shire Council provides free vaccination):

  • Individuals who work outdoors for more than four hours daily.
  • Those who live or work on properties with pigs.
  • Individuals involved in mosquito surveillance or control.
  • Persons engaging in seasonal work in high-risk areas.

Vaccines are accessible via general practitioners, Aboriginal health services, and pharmacists.

Mosquito Bite Prevention Recommendations

To mitigate the risk of Japanese encephalitis and other mosquito-borne illnesses, health authorities recommend the following:

  • Repellent Use: Apply repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin. Check product labels for reapplication times and safety guidelines for children (most are safe for children aged three months and older). Apply sunscreen before repellent.
  • Protective Clothing: Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks, and covered footwear.
  • Timing of Outdoor Activities: Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito times, particularly at dawn and dusk.
  • Mosquito Control Products: Utilize insecticide sprays, vapor dispensing units, and mosquito coils. Coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas.
  • Home Protection: Cover windows and doors with insect screens and regularly check for gaps.
  • Eliminate Breeding Sites: Remove items that collect water, such as old tires and empty pots, from around homes to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
  • Infant Protection: Protect infants under three months by draping an infant carrier with mosquito netting, secured along the edges.
  • Camping Safety: When camping, use a tent with fly screens or sleep under a mosquito net.