Since last week, there have been eight suspected human cases of JEV infection in Victoria, including six people who have been hospitalised.
This includes two children under 10 and six adults aged between 35 to 75.
All cases are awaiting confirmation and several remain in hospital. One is a NSW resident.
Australia’s acting chief medical officer Sonya Bennett has declared the unfolding situation ‘concerning’ under the emergency response plan for communicable disease incidents of national significance, in consultation with the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.
The National Security Committee of Cabinet has been briefed on the unfolding situation.
“I have declared the JEV situation a communicable disease incident of national significance after determining a national approach is required in relation to co-ordination of health policy, interventions and public messaging,” Dr Bennett said.
“A national working group of communicable disease, vaccine and arbovirus experts has been established to support the response, including mosquito surveillance and control measures and identification of those at direct risk, and for the rollout of vaccines.”
Victoria’s deputy chief health officer Associate Professor Deborah Friedman said the eight people all had exposure to mosquitoes before they became unwell.
“It’s really important for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites, especially anyone who lives, works or plans to visit areas in northern Victoria where mosquitoes are prevalent, especially if they are camping.
“There are some really simple steps people can take, including covering up exposed skin, wearing loose-fitting clothing, using repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets if you’re outdoors.”
JEV is a mosquito-borne virus that could cause encephalitis in about one per cent of infected cases.
Most people who contract JEV will have no or very mild symptoms and fully recover but anyone who developed a sudden onset of fever, headache, vomiting as well as seizures or disorientation should see urgent medical attention.
Children aged under five and older people who were infected were at a higher risk of developing more severe illness, such as encephalitis.
JEV has been detected in pigs in northern parts of Victoria, NSW and southern Queensland in the past month, with human cases now emerging.
People should take steps to limit their exposure to mosquitoes and protect themselves by:
- wearing long, loose fitting clothes outdoors;
- using effective mosquito repellents containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin;
- trying to limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are about;
- using ‘knockdown’ fly sprays and plug-in repellent devices indoors;
- sleeping under mosquito nets treated with insecticides if you don’t have flywire screens on windows on your home or are sleeping in an untreated tent or out in the open; and
- using mosquito coils, which can be effective in small outdoor areas where you gather to sit or eat.
More information on Japanese encephalitis is available at www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/japanese-encephalitis-virus
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