Warnings have been issued to residents across the Murrumbidgee, Riverina and South West Slopes following the death of a man in his 70s. Photo: NSW Health.
NSW Health is urging residents and visitors to the Riverina, Murrumbidgee and South West Slopes regions to take extra precautions against mosquitoes following the death of a man who likely contracted Japanese encephalitis (JE) while holidaying in the Murrumbidgee area.
The man, in his 70s from northern Sydney, passed away on February 23 after battling the virus for several weeks.
His death marks the first JE-related fatality in NSW this year, and the third since the virus was first detected in the state in May 2022.
Further, an additional case of JE has been identified in a woman in her sixties in northern NSW.
She likely acquired the infection on her rural property in Tenterfield Shire and is receiving care in hospital.
Authorities warn that the latest fatality highlights the ongoing risk of JE in rural and regional areas, especially for those traveling west of the Great Dividing Range.
The virus is spread by mosquitoes and can cause severe neurological complications, including headaches, convulsions, reduced consciousness, and, in some cases, death.
JE also affects animals, particularly pigs and horses. It cannot be transmitted between humans or through consuming pork products.
The Murrumbidgee, Riverina and South West Slopes regions remain a focal point of concern due to warm weather and enduring wet conditions that have increased mosquito populations.
Health officials are monitoring mosquito numbers and working with local councils to raise public awareness.
NSW Health’s Executive Director of Health Protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said these developments are a reminder of the importance for people to take precautions against mosquitoes, including vaccination.
“These two cases of JE virus, one of which was infected while travelling for a holiday, show it is very important that all people take precautions against mosquitoes, not just those living in affected regions,” Dr McAnulty said.
“If you plan on travelling west of the Great Dividing Range, whether for work or holiday, and you plan to spend time outdoors, JE is a risk you must consider”.
NSW Health is offering free JE vaccines to eligible residents in high-risk inland areas through general practitioners, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists.
People who meet the eligibility criteria should make an appointment and let the provider know it is for the JE vaccine, as they may require a few days’ notice to order the vaccine.
Health officials also recommend simple steps to reduce mosquito exposure:
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Reapply repellent regularly, especially after swimming
- Wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and closed shoes
- Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
- Use insect screens on windows and doors
- Remove standing water around properties to prevent mosquito breeding
- Use mosquito nets when camping and ensure tents have proper fly screens.
Pig owners should watch for reproductive issues such as abortions, stillbirths, or weak piglets.
In horses, signs may include fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, and incoordination.
To reduce mosquito exposure, animal owners should eliminate standing water and maintain effluent ponds to prevent breeding.
Any suspected cases must be reported to veterinarians or the National Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
For more information on JE, vaccine eligibility, and mosquito prevention, visit the NSW Health website or contact local health authorities.
Original Article published by Edwina Mason on About Regional.
