Horsham Rural City Council, Media Release, 3 December 2025

The Department of Health has confirmed the first detection of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in mosquitoes for the 2025–26 season.

The virus was found in a mosquito trap in the Horsham Rural City Council area, as part of Victoria’s Arbovirus Disease Control Program. The detection of JEV in the region highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and prevention strategies when spending time outdoors, especially near areas where mosquitoes are present.

In response to the recent detection of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Council is taking proactive steps to protect the community:

“Council staff are actively treating stagnant waterways to reduce mosquito breeding sites and limit the spread of disease” said Mayor Cr Brian Klowss.

Council treats these areas using an approved product that prevents mosquito larvae from maturing into adults. The product is safe to the environment and other marine and native animals.

“Council will continue its mosquito surveillance throughout the summer months, monitoring key areas to identify risks to the community” said Cr Klowss.

Council is encouraging the community to always avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using mosquito repellent, using knock down spray on adult mosquitoes and eliminating places where mosquitos can breed in and around the home.

Vaccinations are available to all locals over the age of 2 months if they are spending time in the outdoors or live in an unscreened house. Vaccinations will be available from Lister House, Priceline pharmacy and Amcal pharmacy later this week.

For more information on how to stay safe from mosquito-borne diseases, the Better Health Channel website provides helpful advice and tips for protecting yourself and your family.

https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/japanese-encephalitis#vaccination.