Another case of Japanese encephalitis recorded in Victoria

The state health department has warned people in northern Victoria to take extra measures to prevent mosquito bites, after a person contracted the mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis virus while spending time in the Buloke Shire and Swan Hill area.

Health authorities said on Friday they had confirmed the second locally acquired case of the tropical virus this mosquito season. In late December authorities reported a Campaspe resident had contracted JEV.

Mosquito numbers have increased in eastern Australia with the wetter weather conditions.Credit:QIMR Mosquito Control Laboratory

“People spending time outdoors in northern Victoria are strongly recommended to take measures to prevent mosquito bites to reduce their risk of mosquito-borne disease,” a statement released by the Health Department on Friday says.

“These include people who work, live or spend time outdoors in northern Victoria, particularly inland riverine regions and near the Murray River.”

The statement urged residents and people visiting the area to wear repellent at all times while outdoors, and avoid spending time outside at dusk and dawn.

Japanese encephalitis is a flavivirus common across Asia, but was not found in Australia until recently.

Heavy rains, flooding events and summer heat have led to an explosion in mosquito populations on the east coast, and in March 2022, the federal health department declared the outbreak an incident of national significance.

Only about 1 per cent of cases in humans are symptomatic, but half of those cases are left with long-term brain damage, and, in a quarter of the cases, patients die.

Symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches.

Those with severe JEV infections can experience headache, vomiting, disorientation, seizures, coma and more rarely, permanent neurological complications.

This is the 46th human cases of JEV recorded in Australia since January 1, 2021. Seven people have died as a result of the virus; two in NSW, one in Victoria, two in South Australia, one in Queensland and one in the Northern Territory.

While there is no specific treatment for the virus, there is a Japanese encephalitis vaccine available, however, supplies are severely constrained.

Priority groups are advised to contact their general practitioner to confirm their eligibility for the shot. State health authorities said additional vaccines were expected to arrive in the first part of 2023.

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