Summary “Residents in the Far North, Darling Downs, South West and Wide Bay regions particularly need to be vigilant as this is where JEV has previously been detected in Queensland in recent years. Dr Carroll said it was also important to take measures around your home to prevent mosquitoes breeding and getting inside your home.Queenslanders […]
Summary
“Residents in the Far North, Darling Downs, South West and Wide Bay regions particularly need to be vigilant as this is where JEV has previously been detected in Queensland in recent years.
- applying insect repellent to exposed skin and reapplying according to manufacturer’s instructions. Effective insect repellent against mosquitoes are preferably ones that contains DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
- wearing loose, light-coloured clothing to cover up arms, legs and feet
- using insecticide sprays, insecticide-based vapour dispensing units and, if outdoors in a well-ventilated area, mosquito coils;
- ensuring your tent has screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or that you sleep under a mosquito net when camping.
The full list of people eligible to receive free JEV vaccination is available on the Queensland Health website here: www.qld.gov.au/health/condition/infections-and-parasites/viral-infections/japanese-encephalitisQueensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said recent wet weather has created the perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes, which means numbers will be on the rise.“This means there is likely an increased risk of JEV in Queensland.Simple steps to prevent mosquito bites include:“Typically, we see cases start increasing with the onset of rain and warm temperatures in December, before they peak in February and March,” Dr Carroll said.There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available for Ross River virus.“While most people infected with the virus are asymptomatic, it can cause fever, headaches and rashes. In severe cases, the disease can cause serious neurological illness including convulsions.”Mosquito numbers are on the rise and its a good time to take precautionsJEV vaccination is recommended and available free for specific at-risk groups, such as people who work or live near a piggery or live in high-risk regional areas.There have been no human JEV cases in Queensland since May 2022.“If you’re heading outdoors over the holiday period, such as going bushwalking, camping or enjoying backyard barbecues, you need to be taking precautions against mosquitoes.“Disease caused by this virus occurs most commonly in pigs and horses but can be transmitted to humans from mosquito bites. Mosquitoes become infected after they bite infected animals.“Symptoms of Ross River virus may include fever, swollen and painful joints, and a rash.”Ross River virus infection is the most common mosquito-borne disease reported in Queensland.“Mosquito numbers always increase significantly in wet and warm weather, and Queenslanders need to be extra vigilant against bites starting now,” Dr Carroll said.“With increased mosquito numbers comes increased risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Ross River virus and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)