NSW records first Japanese encephalitis death since 2022

NSW Health is urging the public to be vigilant and take precautions against mosquitoes, as the state records its first death of a person with Japanese encephalitis (JE) since May 2022.

JE virus is spread by mosquitoes and can infect animals and humans. There is no specific treatment for JE, which can in some cases cause severe neurological illness with headache, convulsions, reduced consciousness and death.

On 15 February, NSW Health revealed that JE had been identified in a man who was likely infected while camping in the state’s Murrumbidgee region in late December or early January. The man in his 70s was admitted to a Sydney hospital in early February and died there on 23 February.

Furthermore, an additional case of JE has been identified in a woman in her 60s in northern NSW. She likely acquired the infection on her rural property in Tenterfield Shire and is receiving care in hospital.

NSW Health’s Executive Director of Health Protection, Dr Jeremy McAnulty, said these developments are a reminder of the importance for all people passing through affected regions to take precautions against mosquitoes — not just those living there.

“If you plan on travelling west of the Great Dividing Range, whether for work or holiday, and you plan to spend time outdoors, JE is a risk you must consider,” McAnulty said.

“It is very important for people who live in or travel to these areas to be aware of the elevated risk and to take precautions against mosquito bites. In addition to JE virus, Murray Valley encephalitis, Kunjin, Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses can also be spread by mosquito bites.

“Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to avoid mosquitoes, and there is also a safe and effective vaccine available.”

The best thing people throughout NSW can do to protect themselves is to take steps to avoid mosquitoes, including applying repellent to exposed skin (and reapplying regularly, particularly after swimming); wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear; avoiding going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially dawn and dusk; using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils (the latter only outdoors); covering windows and doors with insect screens; removing items that may collect water from around your home; and using mosquito nets while camping.

The free JE vaccine is available through local general practitioners, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists to anyone who lives or routinely works in various inland LGAs or high-risk occupations. People who meet the eligibility criteria should make an appointment and let the provider know it is for the JE vaccine, as they may require a few days’ notice to order the vaccine.

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