New South Wales (NSW) has seen its first fatality from Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) since May 2022, prompting authorities to reissue health warnings for affected areas. A man in his 70s succumbed to the disease on Sunday while being treated in a Sydney hospital, having been admitted in early February. Health officials suspect he contracted the virus during a visit to the Murrumbidgee region in January.
Additionally, another case of JEV has been confirmed involving a woman in her 60s, believed to have been infected on her rural property in Tenterfield Shire. She is currently undergoing treatment in hospital as well.
Dr Jeremy McAnulty, Executive Director of Health Protection, stressed that these incidents highlight the importance of taking precautions against mosquito bites in all areas linked to the virus, not just those traditionally recognised as high-risk. He emphasised that precautions are necessary for anyone travelling west of the Great Dividing Range for work or leisure, especially if spending time outdoors.
To safeguard against the virus, individuals are encouraged to follow simple preventive measures such as using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing. Furthermore, a safe and effective vaccine is available free of charge to eligible individuals, including those living or working in regions with a high JEV risk or those engaged in flood recovery efforts.
Japanese encephalitis is transmitted through mosquitoes that have previously bitten infected pigs, but it is important to note that the virus is not transmissible between humans and cannot be contracted through the consumption of pork or related products.
The last reported death from JEV occurred in May 2022. In light of this recent case and the additional diagnosis, NSW Health is urging the public to stay vigilant and proactive in the face of potential infection.
For those tracing high-risk areas, a comprehensive list of Local Government Areas (LGAs) with JEV concern includes places such as Albury, Berrigan, Bourke, and Wagga Wagga among others. Community awareness and preventive actions are vital in reducing the risk of future infections.