PEOPLE in Swan Hill have been warned to take extra measures to prevent mosquito bites, after a person contracted the mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) while spending time in the Buloke Shire and Swan Hill area.
Health authorities have confirmed the second locally acquired case of the tropical virus this mosquito season, likely acquired early January.
In late December, authorities reported a Campaspe resident had contracted JEV.
“People spending time outdoors in northern Victoria are strongly recommended to take measures to prevent mosquito bites to reduce their risk of mosquito-borne disease,” a statement released by the Health Department said.
“These include people who work, live or spend time outdoors in northern Victoria, particularly inland riverine regions and near the Murray River.”
Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches, although most infected people do not have symptoms. In serious cases, people can develop meningitis or encephalitis.
JEV virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. They do not spread directly from person-to-person.
The statement urged residents and people visiting the area to wear repellent at all times while outdoors, and avoid spending time outside at dusk and dawn.
Japanese encephalitis is a flavivirus common across Asia, but was not found in Australia until recently.
Heavy rains, flooding events and summer heat have led to an explosion in mosquito populations on the east coast, and in March 2022, the federal health department declared the outbreak an incident of national significance.
Only about 1 per cent of cases in humans are symptomatic, but half of those cases are left with long-term brain damage, and, in a quarter of the cases, patients die.
