Japanese encephalitis is a rare disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). JEV is spread through mosquito bites. Shepparton is river bound, and rivers are breeding places for mosquitos. Everyone should take care near places of stagnant water.
Japanese encephalitis is a rare mosquito-borne disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). JEV is a serious illness, spread through bites from mosquitos, which become infected through biting infected pigs and water birds. The risk of a mosquito bite is higher in the warm, wet weather. However, it’s important to be vigilant and protect yourself against mosquito bites wherever you are.
You can reduce your risk of being bitten by a mosquito by following these simple steps:
apply effective insect repellent on exposed skin,
wear long loose-fitting clothes that covers exposed skin,
⛺ cover all windows, doors, vents and entrances with insect screens and
remove/empty containers which hold stagnant water where mosquitos may breed.
The Department of Health and Aged Care has developed translated resources in 14 languages to assist families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The resources explain what JEV is, symptoms and ways to protect yourself.
Symptoms of JEV infection
Most JEV infections are asymptomatic, but some people may experience severe illness and very rarely, permanent neurological complications or death.
- Some infected people experience fever, headache and vomiting. Those with a severe illness may also experience neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, coma, convulsions (especially in children) and paralysis.
- Symptoms usually develop 5 to 15 days after a person has been bitten by infected mosquitoes.
- If you or someone you know are experiencing symptoms of JEV infection, seek medical attention immediately.
Visit https://health.gov.au/jev-translated-information and share the link with your communities.
