BRISBANE, Queensland, April 22 -- Queensland Health issued the following media release:
Queenslanders are urged to take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes as health authorities confirmed the first detection of Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) in a pig in Central Queensland.
Queensland Health have confirmed a detection of JEV in the Banana Shire Council area.
JEV is a rare, but potentially serious illness spread by infected mosquitoes. While not everyone infected by JEV will get sick, it can cause serious illness in some people, including inflammation of the brain.
Mosquitoes become infected with JEV after they bite infected pigs or wading birds. JEV can then be spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said this latest detection meant JEV posed an increased risk of infection for humans in the Central Queensland region.
"This latest detection is the first JEV detection in Central Queensland and tells us that more mosquito populations are likely carrying the virus across the state," Dr Carroll said.
"Since the start of the year, we've recorded three human cases of JEV and there have been detections of JEV in mosquitoes and pigs in several areas across the state.
"Some of the areas where JEV has been detected this year were already known to be a risk for JEV due to detections in previous years, and communities in these regions were already eligible for a free JE vaccine.
"However, this year we're seeing detections in more areas of the state," she said.
Dr Carroll said with several mosquito borne diseases detected in Queensland this year including JEV, Ross River virus, dengue fever and Murray Valley encephalitis, it's critical that Queenslanders take measures to avoid mosquito bites.
"The most effective way to prevent mosquito borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites," Dr Carroll said.
"People heading out into the outdoors this Easter break, such as going camping or bushwalking, are particularly encouraged to take measures against mosquito bites - especially if they're spending any time outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active," she said.
Simple steps to prevent mosquito bites include:
* applying effective insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin and reapplying as directed by the manufacturer* wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, socks and covered footwear* using insecticide sprays, insecticide-based vapour dispensing units ormosquito coils if outdoors in a well-ventilated area* ensuring proper screening in tents or sleep under a mosquito net when camping to prevent mosquitoes entering.
Dr Carroll said the JEV vaccine is available free for identified at risk communities.
"Vaccination is recommended for people at increased risk of exposure to the virus," Dr Carroll said.
"We are encouraging anyone who lives or works in an identified at-risk area and who are at risk of mosquito bites to get vaccinated."
"Piggery workers are at risk of exposure to JEV due to their work. It's very important if you work at, live near or have a planned visit to a piggery, to take advantage of free vaccination against JEV.
"Transport workers, veterinarians or others involved in the care of pigs are also eligible."
The JEV vaccine is available at over 100 vaccination providers across Queensland, including selected GPs, pharmacies and community immunisation providers. While some providers may charge a consultation fee, the vaccine itself is free for eligible Queenslanders.
Queensland Health continues to work with local governments and other stakeholders to conduct mosquito surveillance to inform mosquito borne disease risk to humans.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
For more information about JEV and a full list of those eligible for the vaccine, please visit theQueensland Health website.
A full list of JEV vaccine service providers is also available on theQueensland Health website.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
