November 8, 2022
South Burnett residents who spend several hours a day outdoors have been urged to get a free vaccination against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).
JEV is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites after the insect has bitten an infected animal, usually pigs or water birds.
About 99 per cent of people infected with JEV have no symptoms or mild symptoms, but those who do develop symptoms may experience a fever and headache, or abdominal pain and vomiting in children.
It usually takes five to 15 days for the first symptoms to appear after a bite.
Very rarely, an infection can prove fatal.
In October, researchers said there had been six deaths across Australia so far in 2022 after the virus dramatically expanded its range.
At-risk groups include people who work at or live near a piggery, or those who work with mosquitoes including environmental health officers and entomologists.
Free JEV vaccinations are encouraged for residents who spend several hours a day outdoors, particularly around dusk or dawn, in the local government areas of:
- Balonne
- Goondiwindi
- North Burnett
- South Burnett
- Quilpie
- Western Downs
People living in or around Millmerran are also encouraged to get the free JEV jab.
Darling Downs Health spokesperson Dr Liam Flynn said JEV has been found in these Council areas, either in mosquitoes, pigs or people.
“Over recent months, the Darling Downs Public Health team has been out and about across the region trapping for mosquitoes which are then taken to a lab for testing,” Dr Flynn said.
“This is to help us gain more information about different types of mosquitoes and what diseases those mosquitoes might be carrying.
“If you happen to be out and about in Southern Queensland and see these mosquito traps, please don’t touch them, but know that they’re there so we can understand the burden of diseases.
“This surveillance program can ensure we have the best information to act on.”
JEV does not spread directly between people and there is no risk of JEV from consuming pork or pork products.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said the best protection was to avoid mosquito bites.
“Personal protection includes wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and long trousers, as well as using an effective insect repellent on any exposed skin,” he said.
“Using insecticide sprays or vapour dispensing units indoors or mosquito coils outdoors is another effective way to repel mosquitoes.”
- External link: Japanese Encephalitis (Qld Health)
