Residents of Western NSW are being warned to protect themselves from mosquito bites, following the detection of the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus in Narromine Shire.

The virus was detected in feral pigs in the region, during routine surveillance prior to Christmas.

The discovery follows a similar detection in the Murrumbidgee area, and has been linked to the hotter, wetter build up to summer.

Experts say the La Nina weather patterns experienced in inland NSW and Victoria have created prime mosquito breeding conditions.

NSW Health's Executive Director of Health Protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said the detections were concerning as the number of mosquitoes will increase over coming months.

“We remind everyone in NSW to protect themselves against mosquito borne diseases such as Japanese encephalitis, Murray Valley encephalitis, Ross River virus and Barmah forest virus," Dr McAnulty said. 

“The detections of JE virus near Griffith and Narromine indicate that the risk for JEV transmission is likely broad, particularly in the 55 NSW LGAs that have been identified to be at higher risk of JE in the inland regions of NSW.”

Growing number of regions at risk

Graph provided by NSW Health.

A large number of the ‘at risk’ areas include LGA’s in the Western Plains region. Including:

• Bogan
• Bourke
• Brewarrina
• Central Darling
• Cobar
• Coonamble
• ​​Narromine
• Walgett
• Warren
• Warrumbungle

JE can have affect people differently. Impacts range from:

• • Mild symptoms: Fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, or abdominal pain
  • Severe symptoms: Neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, coma, seizures, or paralysis
  • Children: Gastrointestinal pain and vomiting may be the initial symptoms

Symptoms usually appear five to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. If you experience symptoms, contact a doctor right away. 

“There is a safe, effective and free vaccine to protect against JE which is available to anyone who lives or routinely works in these 55 LGAs and for people who work in some other high-risk occupations,” Dr McAnulty said. 

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

People who meet the eligibility criteria should make an appointment ahead of time and let them know it is for the JE vaccine. These providers may require a few days’ notice so they can order the vaccine. 

Take preventative action 

Actions to prevent mosquito bites include: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• • Using 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 

• • Protecting infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges 

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

Information on eligibility for a free JE vaccine is available on Japanese encephalitis vaccination. 

For further information on JE virus and ways to protect yourself visit Mosquito borne diseases.​​