WITH the arrival of summer, NSW Health urges people to protect themselves from mosquito bites after earlier than expected detections of two mosquito-borne viruses that can cause brain swelling.
Moree Plains is one of 60 LGAs west of the diving range with high Japanese encephalitis virus concerns, along with Narrabri, Inverell, Gwydir and Walgett shires.
The first detection of Japanese encephalitis virus in mosquitoes for the 2025-2026 season was detected last week in mosquitoes collected from the Horsham Rural City Council region in Victoria.
Another mosquito borne virus, Kunjin virus, has also been detected in western New South Wales at Cowra, through a sentinel chicken blood sample on November 20 as part of NSW Health’s routine surveillance.
NSW Health’s Director Health Protection, Dr Stephen Conaty, said these detections so early in the summer season are concerning.
“Mosquito numbers will likely increase with warmer weather, and we remind everyone in New South Wales to protect themselves against mosquito bites, which can cause diseases such as Japanese encephalitis and Murray Valley encephalitis, and infection with Kunjin virus, Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus,” Dr Conaty said.
There are now 60 NSW LGAs considered to be higher risk of Japanese Encephalitis virus.
Residents and travellers to these LGAs should take particular care to avoid mosquito bites.
“There is a safe, effective and free vaccine to protect against Japanese encephalitis. This vaccine is free to anyone who lives or routinely works in these 60 LGAs west of the dividing range and in northern NSW, and for people who work in some other high-risk occupations.”
JE vaccine is available through General Practitioners, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists. People who meet the eligibility criteria should make an appointment ahead of time and let the provider know it is for the JE vaccine.
These providers may require a few days’ notice so they can order the vaccine and may charge a consultation fee.
A booster dose may be recommended for some people with ongoing risk of exposure, one to two years after completing their primary course.
Other than the JE vaccine, there is no vaccination or specific treatment for Kunjin virus or other mosquito borne diseases in Australia.
Mosquito borne diseases cannot be transmitted directly between humans or from any other animal.
For further information on JE virus and ways to protect yourself, visit Mosquito-Borne Diseases.
