Japanese encephalitis warning in Victoria’s north as virus detected in mosquitoes

Victoria’s health department is urging people in the state’s north to remain vigilant against mosquitoes, following recent detections of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).

JEV is a rare virus that can cause a serious infection of the brain.

The Health Department said the virus was identified in two mosquito traps in the Moira Shire, the first detections of the disease in mosquitoes in Victoria this season.

It follows similar recent detections in New South Wales and a confirmed human case of the virus in Victoria last month, a man from Katunga.

The man is in a critical condition in hospital in Melbourne. 

Victoria’s deputy chief health officer Christian McGrath said there was mounting evidence of JEV throughout the state’s north this season.

“We have not seen a lot of activity in Japanese encephalitis since we first saw it in Victoria in the season of 2021-22,” he said.

“It is present. It is carried by mosquitoes and therefore presents a risk to people.”

Mr McGrath said the confirmed case of JEV last month and some detections in the environment indicated that the virus was circulating.

He said as more rains came through mosquito numbers could rise and the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes carrying nasty diseases therefore increased.

Mr McGrath said most people with JEV might have no symptoms, only a low fever and a headache.

But he said for just under 1 per cent of people it could cause a nasty infection of the brain.

“That can cause very serious consequences for the individual who is affected.”

The department said anyone visiting northern Victoria, particularly inland riverine regions and near the Murray River, was potentially at higher risk of infection.

People in the region are urged to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, including covering up, using repellent and limiting time outdoors when mosquitoes are about

The JEV vaccine is free for eligible people in 24 high-risk local government areas in northern Victoria.

This includes anyone who regularly spends time outdoors, is homeless, lives with limited mosquito protection or is engaged in flood recovery.

More information can be found on Victoria’s Health Department website.