Warning of dangerous Japanese encephalitis spread through mosquito bites

Warning of dangerous virus spread through mosquito bites as Australian pigs are found to be carrying the disease

• Traces of the Japanese encephalitis virus were found in several Australian pigs
• The virus is spread through infected mosquitos bites and causes brain swelling
• Residents in QLD, NSW, and VIC should stay on alert for symptoms like headache
• There are no confirmed cases of the Japanese strain of the virus in patients yet 

By Ashlea Knickel For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 01:02 GMT, 27 February 2022 | Updated: 04:20 GMT, 27 February 2022

Australians have been warned to stay on high alert for symptoms of a dangerous virus spread by mosquitos. 

Residents in Queensland, NSW, and Victoria are being warned of possible cases of Japanese encephalitis, after several animals were treated for the virus in the past month.

The virus is spread through mosquito bites and people in regional areas who are in contact with pigs may be at particular risk.

The virus causes brain swelling and serious cases can experience sudden headaches, disorientation, and a high fever. 

Residents in Queensland, NSW, and Victoria are being warned of possible cases of Japanese encephalitis in the state, after evidence of the strain has been found in Australian pigs

There are no confirmed cases of the Japanese strain of the virus in human  patients yet.

However, evidence of the strain has been found in pigs at five locations in southern and western NSW, including near the Victorian border, as well as in southern Queensland.

Victorian chief health officer Brett Sutton said the disease could be very serious and even life threatening.

‘Most people with Japanese encephalitis will have no or very mild symptoms, but anyone who develops a sudden onset of fever, headache and vomiting should see their doctor immediately,’ he said in an update issued on Sunday.

The virus is spread through mosquito bites and causes brain swelling, serious cases can experience sudden headaches, disorientation, and a high fever

‘People with these symptoms can deteriorate over just a few short days, including suffering a loss of co-ordination, disorientation, generalised weakness and in some cases issues with movement which can last for years.’ 

NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said that although people the percentage of people who have symptoms of JE was low, it was important to take precautions to avoid infection.

‘It is really important to protect yourself from mosquito bites as mosquitoes can spread viruses including Japanese encephalitis,’ she said.

‘It is really important to protect yourself from mosquito bites as mosquitoes can spread viruses including Japanese encephalitis,’

Anyone working or camping is being warned to use mosquito repellent and cover up with loose-fitting clothing.

Older people and those aged under five who are infected are at higher risk of developing serious illness.

Tips to stay protected from mosquitos 

• Cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear when outside.
• Use an effective insect repellent on exposed skin and reapply within a few hours. The best mosquito repellents contain Diethyl Toluamide (DEET), Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units (indoors) and mosquito coils (outdoors) to clear rooms or repel mosquitoes from an area.
• Cover all windows, doors, vents and other entrances with insect screens.
• Remove any water-holding containers outside the house where mosquitoes could breed.

 Source: NSW Health

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