Health authorities are urging Western Plains residents to get the jab against Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) as 60 local government areas are flagged for higher risk.

The vaccine is free in all 11 western plains shires for people aged two months or older who live or work there.

The mosquito-borne virus can cause rare but serious conditions like headaches, fever, vomiting and brain swelling.

Last week, JEV was detected for the first time in the 2025-2026 season in mosquitoes collected from the Horsham Rural City Council region in Victoria.

“Mosquito numbers will likely increase with warmer weather, and we remind everyone in NSW 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," said Dr Stephen Conaty, who is NSW Health's Director for Health Protection.

The vaccine is available through General Practitioners, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists.

Once fully vaccinated, it can take between 2 to 4 weeks for the body to develop its immune response to the disease. [IMAGE: Animalia]

Authorities say that people who meet the eligibility criteria should make an appointment ahead of time and let the provider know it is for the JEV jab.

They say providers may need a few days’ notice to order supply and may charge a consultation fee.

Authorities are also warning about another mosquito-borne virus, Kunjin, which was detected in Cowra through a chicken blood sample on 20 November 2025.

Mosquito-borne diseases cannot be transmitted directly between humans or from any other animal.

During the mosquito season In 2022, NSW Health set up vaccine clinics dedicated to JEV across the Western Plains.

NSW Health has so far not announced the same measure this time around.

Besides the injection, avoiding mozzie bites is the best way to go.

Below is a list from NSW Health of ways to protect yourself.

• Apply repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times

• Re-apply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Be sure to apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent

• Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and covered footwear

• Avoid going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially dawn and dusk

• Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas)

• Cover windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps

• Remove items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed

• Use repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions

• Use an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting to protect infants aged less than three months, secured along the edges

• While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net