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Japanese encephalitis case found in Victoria prompts ‘high’ risk warning for weeks ahead

People living near the Murray River or adjacent regions urged to take extra precautions to avoid disease transmitted by mosquitoes

A potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus has been found in a person in regional Victoria, the first case in Australia since 2022.

Japanese encephalitis, a flavivirus related to dengue and yellow fever, was detected in a resident in the state’s north, the Department of Health announced on Tuesday.

The virus has also been picked up by environmental surveillance in northern Victoria along the Murray River, and in mosquitoes and feral pigs in New South Wales.

“These findings indicate that the virus is likely circulating in northern Victoria this summer,” Victoria’s acting chief health officer, Christian McGrath, said.

The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and most people do not become sick but symptoms can include a fever, vomiting and headaches.

In more severe cases patients can experience seizures, paralysis, permanent disability or even death.

In Victoria, cases of Japanese encephalitis were reported for the first time in 2022 while cases of Murray Valley encephalitis – also spread by mosquitoes – were last reported in 2023.

There were no Japanese encephalitis cases reported Australia-wide in 2023.

McGrath issued the alert and warned those near the Murray River or adjacent regions to take extra precautions.

These include using repellant on exposed skin and wearing long, loose-fitting clothing when outside, and ensuring accommodation, including tents, are properly fitted with nets.

“The risk of mosquito-borne diseases remains high in the coming weeks. Taking measures is critical to protect against infections,” McGrath said.

It comes after a public plea was issued in Queensland last week after wet weather created ideal mosquito breeding conditions, increasing the risk of Japanese encephalitis spreading from NSW.

More than 50 NSW local government areas had been identified at “higher risk” of the virus, with it also detected in routine mosquito surveillance in the north-west Riverina region.

Victoria’s health department has been conducting surveillance in high-risk local councils to trap mosquitoes and monitor for the presence of viruses.

Risk of infection increases in the warmer months from November to March due to a higher number of mosquitoes.

Children aged under five and older people who are infected with the virus are at a higher risk of developing more severe illness, such as encephalitis.

Mosquito testing is being carried out over the summer period to help identify high-risk areas.

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