April 3, 2025
Queensland Health has again reminded people to take precautions against mosquito bites, particularly as the school holidays were approaching and people are likely to be spending more time outdoors.
Three cases of Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) have now been reported in Queensland, with two deaths – the State’s first recorded fatalities from the virus since 2022.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said it was common to see mosquito numbers increase after wet and warm weather, and this rise in numbers raised the risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Ross River virus or JEV.
A total of 223 Ross River virus cases have been recorded this year.
JEV is a rare, but potentially serious illness spread by infected mosquitoes. While not everyone infected by JEV will get sick, it can cause serious illness in some people, including inflammation of the brain.
Dr Carroll said Queensland Health has been working closely with local governments and other stakeholders to conduct mosquito surveillance activities, with testing ramped up in light of recent JEV human cases and positive mosquito samples.
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