Darling Downs Health confirms two new cases of Japanese encephalitis virus near Qld-NSW border

One of the recent human cases of this mosquito borne virus was located in Tenterfield and there concerns it could spread north.

Flavivirus (family Flaviviridae), these viruses are responsible for yellow fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, Zika virus, West Nile encephalitis. They are transmitted by mosquitoes or ticks. image produced from transmission electron microscopy (viral diameter approximately 40 to 60 nm).

Darling Downs Health has urged residents across our region to consider getting Japanese encephalitis virus vaccines after two cases were detected over the NSW border.

One of those cases was detected in Tenterfield, neighbouring the Southern Downs.

DDH Public Health director Marina Paine said the free JEV vaccination program has been extended to Southern Downs Regional Council in light of the new case.

“This is just one of the simple measures which can go a long way to prevent JEV,” she said.

“By applying insect repellent, you are using one of the most effective methods to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

“Choose a repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus and apply it to all exposed skin.

“It is crucial to reapply as directed, especially after exercise, working outdoors or swimming.”

Other protection methods include wearing loose fitting, light-coloured clothing and covered footwear, avoiding leaving the house during peak mosquito activity times, and eliminating standing water around your home.

After extensive rainfall in the region throughout summer, the risk of mosquito-borne viruses has increased.

Paired with warmer weather, these conditions create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to a surge in their population.

DDH recommends the free JEV vaccine to people who work, live or regularly visit the

Balonne, Goondiwindi, Burnett, Quilpie and Southern Downs as well as the southwest to Toowoomba and the Western Downs.

People who work, hunt or process pigs are also encouraged to get the vaccine.

The majority of JEV cases are asymptomatic, with less than one per cent of those infected developing the disease. Those who do develop symptoms may experience a fever and headache, or abdominal pain and vomiting in children. In rare cases, the virus causes severe brain swelling, making these people very sick and requiring care in hospital, and can result in death.

The first locally-acquired human case of JEV in Queensland since 2022 was detected in January this year near Goondiwindi.

In recent weeks, JEV has been detected in mosquito populations in Goondiwindi, Inglewood and Monto, as well as in mosquito and feral pig populations in NSW.

Originally published as Darling Downs Health confirms two new cases of Japanese encephalitis virus near Qld-NSW border