Residents Urged To Take Precautions As Japanese Encephalitis Virus Detected

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has been detected in a mosquito caught in a surveillance trap at Lake Wyangan on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

The detection is part of Griffith City Council’s ongoing Arbovirus Surveillance and Mosquito Monitoring Program, which monitors mosquito-borne diseases in the region.

The risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as JEV have increased due to recent rains creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitos.

JEV poses a significant public health concern and residents are strongly encouraged to take steps to protect themselves and their families.

Council has urged residents to follow the “Spray up, Cover up, Clean up, Screen Up!” guidelines:

Cover up - wear loose, long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing and covered footwear, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Tight clothing is not mosquito-proof.

Spray up - apply mosquito repellent containing picaridin, DEET, or oil of level eucalyptus to exposed skin. Follow product instructions and reapply as necessary. Remember to apply your sunscreen under your repellent.

Clean up - remove standing water around your home where mosquitoes may breed, such as in buckets, bird baths, or other containers.

Screen up - ensure windows and doors are fitted with secure screens to keep mosquitoes out.

A safe and effective JEV vaccine is available free of charge for people aged 2 months or older who live or routinely work in the Griffith Local Government Area.

Vaccination is highly recommended for individuals at greatest risk of exposure to JEV.

It takes between two to four weeks after full vaccination for your body to develop a protective immune response.

If eligible, don’t delay - get vaccinated as soon as possible.

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