There has been a confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in a man who visited Yelarbon in the Goondiwindi Region during the Christmas period.

The man is currently hospitalised at Townsville University Hospital.

JEV is a flavivirus related to dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile viruses that can be spread by some (but not all) types of mosquitoes.

In the wake of the confirmed case, Darling Downs Health is urging all community members around the Goondiwindi region to ensure they are vaccinated against JEV.

Darling Downs Public Health Physician Dr Mikaela Seymour said Darling Downs Health was working with key stakeholders across the Goondiwindi region to assess the risk to the community.

“JEV infection is preventable through vaccination and avoidance of mosquito bites,” Dr Seymour said.

“Thankfully, many of our community members around Goondiwindi had already received the vaccine in 2022/23 and are therefore protected against this virus.

“We’re urging all remaining eligible members of the community to take this simple step to arm yourselves and your families against JEV.”

The majority of JEV cases are asymptomatic, with less than one per cent of those infected developing the disease.

Those who do develop symptoms may experience a fever and headache, or abdominal pain and vomiting in children.

Those concerned should seek medical advice.

JEV vaccination is recommended and is available for free to many at-risk groups and locations around Queensland.

To find out if you are eligible for vaccination, visit qld. gov.au/health/condition/infections-and-parasites/viral-infections/ japanese-encephalitis.

In addition to vaccinating themselves, community members should continue mosquito-safe behaviours such as wearing light colours, long sleeves, and insect repellent when outdoors, and utilising mosquito screens when indoors.  

This article appeared in  On Our Selection News, 23 January 2025.