Health warning as Japanese encephalitis virus detected in Brisbane

The potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus Japanese encephalitis has been detected in Brisbane for the first time.

One person died in Queensland in 2022 when five cases of Japanese encephalitis were detected. Picture: Supplied

The potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus Japanese encephalitis has been detected in Brisbane for the first time.

The case was detected at Hemmant in the city’s east on Friday.

Health authorities are now warning Queenslanders to take extra precautions against mosquito bites, particularly in the wake of flooding following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Chief health officer Dr Heidi Carroll said Queenslanders must remain vigilant no matter where they lived.

Japanese encephalitis has been detected this year at Goondiwindi and in the North Burnett region.

The recent extreme weather event has created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. Picture: Supplied

“This latest detection is the first for Brisbane and tells us that more mosquito populations are likely carrying the virus,” Dr Carroll said.

One person died after five cases of the virus were detected in Queensland in 2022, but there have been no further cases until this year.

“While most people infected with JEV experience only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, those who do develop more serious symptoms may experience fever, headache, abdominal pain or vomiting, typically within five to 15 days of being bitten. Tragically, in some cases it can cause severe neurological illness and even death,” she said.

QIMR Berghofer’s Mosquito Control Laboratory’s Brian Johnson told The Courier-Mail this week that recent extreme weather event had created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding, raising concerns about potential outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis and Ross River virus.

Queensland chief health officer Dr Heidi Carroll.

Queenslanders have been urged to use repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, and use mosquito coils (outdoors) and insecticide vaporisers.

Dr Carroll said the potential to contract Ross River virus was also an issue, including across all of South East Queensland.

“Queenslanders also need to be vigilant against mosquito bites due to the risk of Ross River virus, which is prevalent across the state, including all of South East Queensland,” Dr Carroll said.

Dr Carroll said vaccination was recommended for people at increased risk of exposure to the virus and was available at over 100 vaccination providers across the state, including selected GPs, pharmacies and community immunisations providers.

Originally published as Health warning as Japanese encephalitis virus detected in Brisbane