Japanese Encephalitis Virus: Woman critical in Brisbane hospital as authorities urge Qlders to take precautions

Authorities have issued a warning to Queenslanders – particularly those in flood-affected areas – of a rare mosquito-borne virus that has left a woman in her 60s in a critical condition. Here’s what you need to know.

A woman in her 60s is in a critical condition after contracting the Japanese Encephalitis Virus.

She was admitted to a Brisbane hospital in the past week, following a recent trip in regional southern Queensland.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said there were now nine piggeries in Queensland, NSW and Victoria with confirmed infections – including one at Goondiwindi.

Ms D’Ath said the virus was spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes to both humans and animals.

“In animals, it mostly occurs in pigs and horses,” the Minister said.

“Most human infections of this virus cause no symptoms – or mild symptoms such as a headache or fever.

“However, a person with severe disease may present with inflammation of the brain, characterised by sudden onset of vomiting, high fever and chills, severe headache, sensitivity to light, neck stiffness and nausea.”

The virus is spread by infected mosquitoes. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

Queensland Health issued a public health alert for the virus on Thursday night.

Ms D’Ath warned that older people and children aged under five were at higher risk of developing more severe illness.

She urged Queenslanders to take “necessary steps” to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, such as regularly applying insect repellent.

Ms D’Ath said there was no risk to humans from consuming pork or pig products – and that the virus could not be spread from person to person.

“Queensland Health is working collaboratively with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Industry – as well as state and territory and national counterparts to discuss a national response,” she said.

“If you have any of those … symptoms, please take them seriously and present at a doctor or an emergency department.”

The Minister said the recent flooding event could lead to an increase in mosquitoes in the coming weeks.

“Especially with these flood events, there’s going to be a lot of static water sitting around homes,” Ms D’Ath said.

“So we ask that as we do the clean up you remove that water to reduce the risk of mosquitoes.”