A concerning health alert has emerged regarding a potentially deadly virus detected in various regions of southern New South Wales (NSW), prompting health officials to advocate for precautionary measures. The illness in question is Japanese encephalitis (JE), a rare but severe disease that is transmitted through infected mosquitoes. Notably, this virus is not spread directly from person to person or from animals to humans, which makes it particularly unique.
Health authorities are currently investigating a probable case involving a man in his sixties who was likely exposed to the virus in the Riverina area during late December 2025. Additionally, the virus was identified in a blood sample collected from a sentinel chicken in early January near Goulburn. These chickens serve a crucial role in public health; they are routinely tested to provide early alerts about mosquito-borne viruses, effectively placing them as sentinels in our battle against such diseases.
The recent detection strongly suggests that JE is circulating within the vicinity, raising significant concerns. The effects of this virus can be devastating, leading to severe neurological symptoms such as headaches, confusion, seizures, and in some cases, a reduced level of consciousness. Tragically, there have been fatalities linked to JE, including two men from northern Sydney and Canberra, who died in early 2025 after contracting the virus while vacationing in the Murrumbidgee region.
Alison Nikitas, the Director of Public Health for the Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW Local Health Districts, emphasized the importance of awareness among residents and workers in high-risk areas. "There is no specific treatment for JE, so it’s critical that individuals who live in or travel to these affected regions understand the increased risk," she stated. The good news is that a safe and effective vaccine is available to protect against JE, provided at no cost to those living or working in designated inland regions, as well as individuals in certain high-risk professions.
The NSW Health website outlines that several local government areas are currently deemed at high risk, including Cootamundra-Gundagai, Leeton, Goulburn Mulwaree, Greater Hume, Griffith, Hay, Hilltops, Junee, Upper Lachlan, and Wagga Wagga. For those eligible for the free JE vaccine, more information can be found online.
Residents are strongly encouraged to take proactive steps to minimize mosquito exposure and consider vaccination. The JE vaccine can be obtained through general practitioners, Aboriginal health services, and pharmacies. Individuals who qualify for the vaccine should schedule an appointment with their healthcare provider and inform them of their interest in receiving the JE vaccine, as it may need to be ordered in advance, which could take a few days. Additionally, some people might require a booster shot, especially those who were vaccinated over a year ago, and should consult with their healthcare provider regarding this.
To further reduce the risk of mosquito bites, individuals can:
- Apply mosquito repellent on exposed skin, preferably using products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Reapply repellent regularly, ensuring sunscreen is applied first.
- Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeve clothing, long pants, socks, and closed footwear.
- Stay indoors during peak mosquito activity times, particularly at dawn and dusk.
- Use insecticide sprays, vapor dispensers, and mosquito coils outdoors in well-ventilated spaces.
- Install insect screens on windows and doors, ensuring there are no gaps.
- Eliminate standing water around homes to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
- Protect infants under three months old by using a carrier covered with secure mosquito netting.
- When camping, sleep under a mosquito net or in a tent equipped with fly screens to keep mosquitoes out.
For further details on mosquito-borne diseases and tips on how to safeguard yourself and your family, please visit the NSW Health website.
