Japanese encephalitis death in SEQ recorded, second in Qld

The second likely death from the mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis virus has been recorded in South East Queensland, after a patient presented to a Brisbane hospital.

The second likely death from the mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis virus has been recorded in South East Queensland, health authorities have confirmed.

When questioned by The Courier-Mail on Wednesday, the Queensland Department of Health confirmed the death had been recorded by Metro North Health.

A Metro North Health spokesperson confirmed it was a man who presented to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

It comes one day after health authorities confirmed the first probable death from the mosquito-borne virus since 2022 in Queensland.

Mackay Hospital and Health Services confirmed the Bowen man had been treated at Mackay Base Hospital last week but later died.

The location where both people had been exposed to the virus are under ongoing investigation and may not necessarily be their place of residence.

Three cases had been recorded this year, with the first locally-acquired case of JEV recorded in January in Townsville.

Health authorities also recorded the first detection of the virus in Hemmant on Friday, March 14, following routine mosquito surveillance.

Queensland Health spokesperson said the department was working closely with local governments and other stakeholders to enhance mosquito surveillance activities for the virus – particularly in locations where JEV had not been previously recorded.

The virus is carried by mosquitoes. Picture: Supplied

“The possible exposure locations for both people are currently under investigation,” the spokesperson said.

“The best line of defence from mosquito-borne diseases is prevention, and Queenslanders are encouraged to take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.”

Queensland infectious disease expert Paul Griffin said it was alarming to hear that the death had been recorded in an area not traditionally associated with JEV.

“We know that we have had detections in mosquitoes locally however, the infection still remains relatively rare,” he said.

“Usually the infection is actually fairly mild and, being a mosquito-borne infection, the good thing is if you reduce your chance of getting bitten by mosquitoes, you can reduce your chance of this virus.”

Professor Griffin said the recent weather across Queensland played a role in the spread of mosquito-borne viruses.

Professor Paul Griffin, infectious diseases physician and Director of Immunisation. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

“With climate and particularly the rainfall events recently that these conditions are conducive with mosquito-borne infections, that is certainly going to be relevant,” he said.

“So that highlights that we should take steps to control those mosquitoes and we already have excellent programs that exist in those areas.”

Professor Griffin said there were measures people could take to mitigate the risk of contracting mosquito-borne infections.

“Physical barriers like long sleeves, long pants, screens, bug zappers and mosquito coils, that help to reduce the number of mosquitoes in and around your home,” he said.

“Repellent reduces your chance of being bitten particularly if you are outdoors or near water sources.”

Typically found in Asia, JEV is a virus spread by mosquito bites and is more commonly detected in rural or agricultural areas.

A person with JEV can experience vomiting, nausea, fever, sweating, seizures, muscle weakness, paralysis and fatigue.

Since 2022, more than 18,000 Queenslanders have been vaccinated against JEV.

More than 1500 mosquito traps have been tested across the state to assess the risk of JEV, since 1 July 2024.

Originally published as Japanese encephalitis death in SEQ recorded, second in Qld