Mosquito warning upgraded

Victorians are being urged to cover up and protect themselves from mosquitoes this long weekend.

Since last week, there have been eight suspected human cases of JEV infection in Victoria, including six people who have been hospitalised. 

The government said the cases included two children under 10 years old and six adults aged between 35 to 75 years old.

Deputy Chief Health Officer, Associate Professor Deborah Friedman said the eight people all had exposure to mosquitos before they became unwell.

At this stage, the area of concern is northern Victoria, but with the long weekend on the way, people are being reminded to take precautions to protect themselves, especially anyone going camping.

“There are some really simple steps people can take, including covering up exposed skin, wearing loose fitting clothing, using repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets if you’re outdoors,” the Deputy CHO said.

JEV is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis in approximately one per cent of cases who become infected. 

Most people who contract JEV will have no or very mild symptoms and fully recover but anyone who develops a sudden onset of fever, headache, vomiting as well as seizures or disorientation should see urgent medical attention.

Children aged under five years old and older people who are infected with JEV are at a higher risk of developing more severe illness, such as encephalitis.

People should take steps to limit their exposure to mosquitoes and protect themselves by:
• wearing long, loose fitting clothes outdoors
• using effective mosquito repellents containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin
• trying to limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are about
• using ‘knockdown’ fly sprays and plug-in repellent devices indoors
• sleeping under mosquito nets treated with insecticides if you don’t have flywire screens on windows on your home or are sleeping in an untreated tent or out in the open
• using mosquito coils, which can be effective in small outdoor areas where you gather to sit or eat.

Another mosquito-borne disease – Ross River virus – was a cause for concern in 2021, when there were 15 confirmed cases on Phillip Island.

More information on Japanese encephalitis is available at www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/japanese-encephalitis-virus