{"id":357477,"date":"2025-02-13T12:28:27","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T02:28:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=357477"},"modified":"2025-02-26T15:20:35","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T05:20:35","slug":"jev-found-in-more-mozzies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2025\/02\/13\/jev-found-in-more-mozzies\/","title":{"rendered":"JEV Found In More Mozzies"},"content":{"rendered":"

February 13, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

Queensland Health has renewed a warning to residents to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes after Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and Ross River virus have been detected in more insect populations.<\/p>\n

In recent weeks, JEV has been detected in mosquitoes in Monto, Inglewood and Goondiwindi.<\/p>\n

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said that notifications of mosquito-borne illnesses start to rise in February as mosquito populations increase.<\/p>\n

\u201cMosquito numbers always increase significantly after wet and warm weather, and Queenslanders should be extra vigilant against bites across the State at this time,\u201d Dr Carroll said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most effective way to prevent mosquito borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites.<\/p>\n

\u201cI encourage eligible Queenslanders in identified at-risk locations to be vaccinated against the virus.<\/p>\n

\u201cPiggery workers are at risk of exposure to JEV due to their work. It\u2019s very important if you work at, live near or have a planned visit to a piggery, to take advantage of free vaccination against JEV.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cTransport workers, veterinarians or others involved in the care of pigs are also eligible.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile most people infected with JEV experience mild symptoms or are asymptomatic, those who do develop symptoms may experience fever, headache, abdominal pain or vomiting, typically within five to 15 days of being bitten.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since 2022, more than 18,000 eligible Queenslanders have been vaccinated against JEV.<\/p>\n

There is no vaccine for Ross River or dengue viruses, so prevention depends on not getting bitten.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Simple steps to prevent mosquito bites include:<\/strong><\/p>\n