A SECOND confirmed human case of Japanese encephalitis has been identified in northern Victoria, with likely exposure in the NSW Riverina.
Victoria’s chief health offider, Dr Tarun Weeramanthri, didn’t disclose where the infected person resided.
He said JE virus has also been detected through environmental surveillance along much of the Murray River in Victoria from Mildura to Moira.
Five human cases of JE have also been reported across NSW and Queensland.
Dr Weeramanthri said JE virus had also been detected in mosquito populations and at piggeries across Victoria, NSW and Queensland this summer.
“Residents and people visiting northern Victoria and inland riverine regions of eastern Australia, particularly near the Murray River, are potentially at higher risk of infection and should take measures to prevent mosquito bites,” he said.
“Avoid mosquito bites by using mosquito repellent containing picaridin or diethyltoluamide (DEET) on all exposed skin. Wear long, loose fitting clothing when outside, and ensure accommodation, including tents are properly fitted with mosquito nettings or screens.
“In Victoria, JE vaccine is available free-of-charge for specific groups at higher risk of exposure to the virus, including eligible people in 24 eligible LGAs in northern Victoria, and those at occupational risk across Victoria.”
JE virus can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain and is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes.
In Victoria, cases of JE were reported for the first time in 2022 while cases of Murray Valley encephalitis were last reported in 2023.
