Locations most at risk of Japanese encephalitis revealed

Residents in these locations are being urged to get vaccinated against the mosquito born Japanese encephalitis, with experts warning the insect’s numbers are about to explode.

Residents in large parts of NSW have been warned they are most at risk of contracting Japanese encephalitisis virus (JEV) in the coming months, with mosquito numbers expected to grow.

The warning for large parts of western NSW, including Dubbo and Wagga Wagga, comes as experts caution that mosquito numbers are going to explode as summer sets in.

“If there are more mosquitoes, there’s an increased risk of people contracting mosquito born diseases,” associate professor of medical entomology and mosquito expert Dr Cameron Webb said.

Mosquito numbers are expected to boom this summer, experts say.

Those who contract the potentially fatal virus can suffer severe neurological effects such as brain swelling, headaches, high fever, convulsions and reduced consciousness.

NSW Health says a free JEV vaccine will also be made available for those over the age of two months if they live or work in the affected local government areas and meet certain criteria.

This includes those who spend more than four hours outside each day for “unavoidable work, recreation, education, or other essential activities” as well as those who “are living in temporary or flood-damaged accommodation that places them at increased risk of exposure to mosquitoes”.

Those involved in the clean up of the devastating floods which have affected NSW in recent months can also request to get the vaccine.

Residents in the affected LGAs are likely to be able to access the vaccine, especially if they were affected by floods. Picture: AP Photo / Andre Penner, File

The recent floods have worsened the outlook for JEV, creating ideal conditions for mosquito populations to grow.

“Mosquitos are reliant on water getting into the environment to complete their life cycle; they need the weather to be warm as well,” Dr Webb said.

“When there’s stagnant water in the environment, there are a lot of mosquitoes.

“We’re already seeing a growing population.”

Tens of thousands of mosquitoes were caught in traps in NSW last year. Picture: Jono Searle

Dr Webb has warned mosquito numbers will only grow as we head into warmer weather.

“We’re only at the start of the season; not only will mosquito populations increase dramatically over the next few weeks, but they’re going to be sustained over the coming months until the weather cools,” he said.

“Prepare for summer to be just as bad, if not worse, than last year … in some areas [last year] we saw tens of thousands of mosquitoes caught in traps.”

The JEV vaccination is also recommended for NSW residents who work, live or visit a piggery or pork abattoir.

The JEV vaccine is available for those over the age of two months and is safe. Picture: Nicolas Maeterlinck / Belga / AFP / Belgium OUT

Those who are eligible and who are interested in receiving the free vaccine are urged to speak to their GP, who can order it. Two safe and effective JEV vaccines are available.

LGAs of high JEV concern

• Albury
• Balranald
• Berrigan
• Bland
• Bogan
• Bourke
• Brewarrina
• Broken Hill
• Carrathool
• Central Darling
• Cobar
• Coolamon
• Coonamble
• Dubbo Regional
• Edward River
• Federation
• Forbes
• Gilgandra
• Goulburn Mulwaree
• Greater Hume
• Griffith
• Hay
• Junee
• Lachlan
• Leeton
• Lockhart
• Moree Plains
• Murray River
• Murrumbidgee
• Narrabri
• Narrandera
• Narromine
• Parkes
• Temora
• Unincorporated Far West Area
• Wagga Wagga
• Walgett
• Warren
• Warrumbungle
• Weddin
• Wentworth

Originally published as Locations most at risk of Japanese encephalitis revealed