March 7, 2022
The Federal Government is rolling out supplies of a human vaccine against the deadly Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) which has now been detected in 42 piggeries across Australia.
More vaccine supplies are being imported from Korea.
Speaking on ABC-RN on Monday morning, Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the Federal Government was monitoring the situation closely in conjunction with the States and Territories.
Two people are in intensive care after contracting the virus, which is transmitted to humans from pigs via mosquito bites.
A total of 21 people across Australia are currently being treated for encephalitis, although these cases have not been confirmed as JEV.
There are fears the flood crisis in Queensland and NSW will exacerbate the problem by encouraging a greater outbreak of mosquitos.
“The fact that it has effectively spread right across the eastern seaboard into South Australia says that this is a real threat that we need to take seriously,” Minister Littleproud told the ABC.
“We need to be vigilant and (people) need to understand (the risks), particularly those in high-risk areas – in piggeries and around piggeries.
“We’re working quickly to get vaccines out there across into those States and working with the States to make sure there is an ability for people who wish to take a vaccine, can.
“We already had a small quantity of vaccines for this here in Australia and they’ve been distributed. There’s been another tranche that has come and there’ll be another that’ll be brought in as well.”
Mr Littleproud encouraged people to remain vigilant, wear clothing that covers their arms and legs, and use insect repellents.
He emphasised no one could catch the disease from eating pork products.
Speaking later on Sky News, the Minister said the threat was “evolving” but had to be put into context.
“It’s been in Australia since 1990, but for the first time we’re finding it right across the eastern seaboard and in South Australia,” he said.
Previously JEV had not been detected below Cape York but Mr Littleproud said migratory birds were coming further south, finding floodwaters near piggeries and spreading the virus to pigs.
He said JEV was serious but only a small percentage of people get really sick.
“About 1 per cent will find themselves with symptoms, and then from that about 20 per cent of that 1 per cent have really serious (symptoms) and the potential of (developing a) neurological disease,” the Minister said.
“People should come forward if they even start to get some symptoms.
“Many of those are flu like. You can (get) vomiting, fever, aches, headaches. It’s important you come forward and get tested so that we can actually find and continue to track where some of these high-risk areas are.”
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