The Hon. David Speirs, Leader of the Opposition (SA), Media Release, 23 January 2023

The Opposition is calling on Peter Malinauskas to urgently source more Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccine doses and expand the criteria for those who want to boost their safety and be vaccinated against JEV – as concerns over the potentially deadly virus grow.

Monitoring traps have been set in Adelaide’s northern suburbs to detect if encephalitis carrying mosquitoes have reached the city, with traps around the state already detecting more than five times the usual whole-season amount of mosquitoes carrying harmful Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses.

Warning signs – stating “encephalitis mosquitoes may be present in this area” – have been erected at the entry points of South Australian reservoirs, confirming authorities are concerned the virus could already be prevalent in the metropolitan area.

According to SA Health, the risk of mosquito borne disease transmission this season is considered to be the highest in over 10 years.

Despite the increased metropolitan risk, eligibility criteria for the free JEV vaccine remains tight – only made available to those in certain flood affected postcodes who also spend at least four hours per day outdoors most days.

Chemists have revealed private suppliers are charging ineligible South Australians up to $300 for a single shot because vaccine stocks are so low.

“JEV can cause permanent brain damage and even death, and now we’re seeing health alerts quietly pop up at reservoirs to warn people of the threat of virus-carrying mosquitoes,” Leader of the Opposition David Speirs said.

“It’s clear JEV is no longer a Riverland specific problem and $300 for a vaccine is completely unreasonable given so many South Australians are battling through a cost of living crisis.

“South Australians shouldn’t be forced to compromise their health because they can’t afford a $300 vaccine.

“As water levels were rising late last year, instead of using taxpayer money to rub shoulders with celebrities and royals, Peter Malinauskas should have been focussing on securing more vaccines for South Australia.

“Peter Malinauskas needs to up his game and communicate concisely with South Australians about the virus so they don’t unknowingly put their health at risk.

“There shouldn’t be any hurdles in place for those who wish to protect themselves ahead of travelling to our river communities and now those living in the metropolitan area.”