JEV makes appearance in swine in Banana Shire, Central Queensland

A rare and deadly mosquito-borne virus which has already killed two in Queensland has been detected in this region for the first time.

Generic image of feral pigs on Australian property. Picture: Supplied

Central Queensland residents are urged to take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes as health authorities confirmed the first detection of a deadly virus in a pig in Central Queensland.

Already two people have died from the rare Japanese Encephalitis Virus which is caused by bites from mosquitoes, who are infected through biting infected pigs and waterbirds.

This can cause inflammation of the brain and complications with the nervous system and eventual death.

On Friday, March 28, well known Bowen truck driver Kevin Yarrow died after becoming infected.

Kevin Yarrow's funeral service announcement who died after contracting the rare mosquito-borne disease Japanese Encephalitis Virus, Friday March 28, 2025

His death was the first in the Mackay Whitsunday region since JEV was detected earlier this year and the second in Queensland after the death of another individual in Brisbane.

The latest detection of JEV occurred in the Banana Shire Council area.

Queensland chief health officer Dr Heidi Carroll said this latest detection meant JEV posed an increased risk of infection for humans in the Central Queensland region.

“This latest detection is the first JEV detection in Central Queensland and tells us that more mosquito populations are likely carrying the virus across the state,” Dr Carroll said.

“Since the start of the year, we’ve recorded three human cases of JEV and there have been detections of JEV in mosquitoes and pigs in several areas across the state.

“Some of the areas where JEV has been detected this year were already known to be a risk for JEV due to detections in previous years, and communities in these regions were already eligible for a free JE vaccine.

“However, this year we’re seeing detections in more areas of the state.”

Dr Carroll said with several mosquito-borne diseases detected in Queensland this year including JEV, Ross River virus, dengue fever and Murray Valley encephalitis, it’s essential that Queenslanders take measures to avoid mosquito bites.

“The most effective way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites,” she said.

JEV vaccines are available free for identified at risk communities.

“Vaccination is recommended for people at increased risk of exposure to the virus,” Dr Carroll said.

“We are encouraging anyone who lives or works in an identified at-risk area and who are at risk of mosquito bites to get vaccinated.”

“Piggery workers are at risk of exposure to JEV due to their work. It’s very important if you work at, live near or have a planned visit to a piggery, to take advantage of free vaccination against JEV.

“Transport workers, veterinarians or others involved in the care of pigs are also eligible.”

The vaccination is free though some providers may charge a consultation fee.

Originally published as JEV makes appearance in swine in Banana Shire, Central Queensland