Super spreader: Mosquitoes transmit the virus to humans.
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AP Photo/Andre Penner
Two Echuca-Moama children who have been hospitalised in Melbourne after contracting Japanese encephalitis virus are at the centre of a call for people to consider being vaccinated against the infection.
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People living, working or visiting towns along the Murray River are being reminded by state and federal government health officials to protect themselves from mosquitoes following a rise in JEV cases.
Since last week, there have been six confirmed human cases of JEV infection in Victoria, all whom have been hospitalised.
This includes the two Echuca-Moama children, both under 10 years old, and six adults aged between 35 to 75.
Two other cases are residents of NSW.
Liberal candidate for Nicholls Steve Brooks weighed into the issue last week and told The Riv that people in the Echuca area needed to be aware of the risks associated with the disease.
“People may be vaccination-fatigued from COVID, but with Echuca and surrounds being a high-risk area they need to know the risk,” Mr Brooks said.
“We have two kids in the hospital who are pretty ill. We need to be aware of the symptoms and the profile of this disease needs to be lifted.”
He described JEV as being “underrated” and last week made a representation to the federal health minister on behalf of the area.
“I asked about vaccine availability and explained how serious this could be for our electorate. Within days things have moved forward,” Mr Brooks said.
Perfect storm: A combination of mosquitoes and piggeries is responsible for an outbreak of Japanese encephalitis virus in four Australian states. The Echuca-Moama region is among the affected areas.
While co-ordination of COVID response programs broke down severely between state and federal governments, there appears to be a united front in the response to the danger of JEV.
“It is a bit too far under the radar for my liking,” Mr Brooks said.
Health officials said pigs in Victoria, NSW, SA and Queensland had all been found to have confirmed cases. There were 21 infected pig farms, six of which were in Victoria.
JEV is contracted by humans from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Severe illness in humans is rare, but vaccination against JEV is safe and effective.
“The immediate groups at risk are those in affected regions. That is absolutely fairly and squarely us,” Mr Brooks said.
Health officials have said the JEV outbreak is not a food safety concern.
“It does seem to be now receiving the attention of authorities. The government has called it a communicable disease incident of national significance,” Mr Brooks said.
Deputy Chief Health Officer Associate Professor Deborah Friedman said it was really important for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites, especially anyone who lived, worked or planned to visit areas in northern Victoria where mosquitoes were prevalent, especially if they were 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 can cause encephalitis in approximately one per cent of cases who become infected.
Most people who contract JEV will have no or very mild symptoms and fully recover but anyone who develops a sudden onset of fever, headache or vomiting, as well as seizures or disorientation, should see urgent medical attention.
Children aged under five and older people who are infected with JEV are at a higher risk of developing more severe illness, such as encephalitis.
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
• using mosquito coils, which can be effective in small outdoor areas where you gather to sit or eat.
