People in three Northern Rivers LGAs are at higher risks of the Japanese Encephalitis virus and are eligible for free vaccines.
The virus is one of two mosquito borne viruses known to cause brain swelling, the other being the Kunjin virus.
NSW Health has listed 60 NSW Local Government Areas considered to be at higher risk of Japanese Encephalitis, with local health authorities urging Northern NSW residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites this summer.
The warning comes after the earlier than expected detection of both JE and Kunjin in Australia this season.
Earlier than expected virus detections
NSW Health routine surveillance in Western NSW on 20 November reportedly detected Kunjin virus through a sentinel chicken blood sample.
Further south, the Horsham Rural City Council region in Victoria recently reported Japanese Encephalitis virus in a sample of mosquitoes.
While there weren’t any local detections of either disease reported, North Coast Population and Public Health Associate Director Robin Auld said detections elsewhere so early in summer were concerning.
‘Mosquito numbers will likely increase with warmer weather,’ Mr Auld said in a northern NSW local health district media statement, ‘and we remind everyone in the region to protect themselves against mosquito bites’.
Mr Auld said other diseases such as Murray Valley Encephalitis, Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses also presented local risks.
Free JE vaccine for most at risk
A free vaccine to protect against JE was available for anyone living or routinely working in Lismore, Richmond Valley and Kyogle, through General Practitioners, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists.
Providers could still charge a consultation fee.
The vaccine was also available free for people who worked in some other high-risk occupations, with more information online.
People who met the eligibility criteria for the vaccine were advised to make an appointment ahead of time and let the provider know it would be for the vaccine as some providers would need to order it in.
A booster dose may be recommended one to two years later for some people with ongoing risk of exposure.
There weren’t any vaccines or specific treatments available for the Kunjin virus or other mosquito borne diseases in Australia, authorities advised.
Choose your repellent
The official advice for preventing mosquito bites was as follows:
- Apply repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times
- Re-apply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Be sure to apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent
- Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and covered footwear
- Avoid going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially dawn and dusk
- Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas)
- Cover windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps
- Remove items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed
- Use repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions
- Use an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting to protect infants aged less than three months, secured along the edges
- While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net.
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