Australia: Japanese encephalitis case confirmed in Victoria
The Victoria Department of Health recently reported a confirmed human case of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in a resident of northern Victoria, the first case of JE in Victoria this mosquito season.
JE virus has also been detected through environmental surveillance in northern Victoria, and in mosquitoes and feral pigs in New South Wales this summer. These findings indicate that JE virus is likely circulating in northern Victoria this summer.
In Victoria, cases of JE were reported for the first time in 2022.
JE virus can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain and is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes.
More than 90 per cent of JE virus infections are asymptomatic. Less than one per cent of people infected with JE virus develop neurologic illness.
Japanese encephalitis with Dr. Melvin Sanicas
Children aged under 5 years old and older people who are infected with JE virus are at a higher risk of developing more severe illness, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Avoid mosquito bites by using mosquito repellent containing picaridin or diethyltoluamide (DEET) on all exposed skin. Wear long, loose fitting clothing when outside, and ensure accommodation, including tents are properly fitted with mosquito nettings or screens.
In Victoria, JE vaccine is available free-of-charge for specific groups at higher risk of exposure to the virus, including eligible people in 24 high-risk LGAs in northern Victoria.
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