Urgent warning: Protect yourself from the dangerous mosquito virus spreading in this state

As the summer season continues to bring warm, wet weather, and many of us are enjoying more time outdoors, the mosquito population is also reportedly thriving across New South Wales.

This has led to a resurgence of a dangerous mosquito-borne virus, Japanese encephalitis (JE), which was detected in the Menindee region.

Health authorities are urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites and the potential diseases they can carry.



The detection of the JE virus was made during routine testing in late December.

The virus was found in a sentinel chicken, part of a program designed to provide early warning of the presence of serious mosquito-borne diseases.


SDC 2.png
The Japanese encephalitis virus was detected in NSW in late December. Image source: jcomp on Freepik.


The Acting Director of Environmental Health at NSW Health, Paul Byleveld, emphasised the importance of reducing the risk of mosquito bites, particularly in light of this recent detection.

Mosquitoes in NSW are known to carry Murray Valley encephalitis virus and the Kunjin, Ross River, and Barmah Forest viruses.



The symptoms of the JE virus range from tiredness, rash, headache, and sore and swollen joints to rare and severe symptoms such as seizures and loss of consciousness.

High-risk residents are eligible for a free vaccine to protect against JE infection.

Eligibility can be checked at the Japanese encephalitis vaccination website.

Below are the local government areas (LGAs) of high Japanese encephalitis virus concern:

LDfWinpAXgj62Z4chC3DA8ijeqKBagbqFjzK7x6HxOUJ3Wd_LGZNpLjedGNrFm3A2AzMg_c9RXI-AehUDd1gz-tcTGDpuMTNxbrZvGGzEphimffa7lp3tMHeeWaSEAICb5l6uSOcw44eRTjzqd9pFSw



However, vaccination is only one part of the solution. It's crucial to take additional steps to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

Here are some practical tips to protect yourself from mosquito-bourne viruses:

How to protect yourself from mosquito-borne viruses.jpg

By following these tips, you can protect yourself and your family from these potentially serious diseases.
Key Takeaways

  • Health authorities in NSW warned residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites following the detection of the Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus in far-west NSW.
  • A positive result for JE was found during routine testing of a sentinel chicken in Menindee, and the mosquito population is currently thriving due to wet, warm weather conditions.
  • NSW residents at high risk of JE are eligible for a free vaccine, and people are encouraged to check their eligibility and get vaccinated against the infection.
  • Practical steps to reduce the risk of acquiring a mosquito-borne virus include applying repellent, wearing protective clothing, avoiding peak mosquito times, using insecticide products, securing homes against mosquitoes, and removing water-collecting items to limit breeding sites.
Have you or someone you know been affected by a mosquito-borne disease? Share your experiences and tips for protection in the comments below.
 
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As the summer season continues to bring warm, wet weather, and many of us are enjoying more time outdoors, the mosquito population is also reportedly thriving across New South Wales.

This has led to a resurgence of a dangerous mosquito-borne virus, Japanese encephalitis (JE), which was detected in the Menindee region.

Health authorities are urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites and the potential diseases they can carry.



The detection of the JE virus was made during routine testing in late December.

The virus was found in a sentinel chicken, part of a program designed to provide early warning of the presence of serious mosquito-borne diseases.


View attachment 38702
The Japanese encephalitis virus was detected in NSW in late December. Image source: jcomp on Freepik.


The Acting Director of Environmental Health at NSW Health, Paul Byleveld, emphasised the importance of reducing the risk of mosquito bites, particularly in light of this recent detection.

Mosquitoes in NSW are known to carry Murray Valley encephalitis virus and the Kunjin, Ross River, and Barmah Forest viruses.



The symptoms of the JE virus range from tiredness, rash, headache, and sore and swollen joints to rare and severe symptoms such as seizures and loss of consciousness.

High-risk residents are eligible for a free vaccine to protect against JE infection.

Eligibility can be checked at the Japanese encephalitis vaccination website.

Below are the local government areas (LGAs) of high Japanese encephalitis virus concern:

LDfWinpAXgj62Z4chC3DA8ijeqKBagbqFjzK7x6HxOUJ3Wd_LGZNpLjedGNrFm3A2AzMg_c9RXI-AehUDd1gz-tcTGDpuMTNxbrZvGGzEphimffa7lp3tMHeeWaSEAICb5l6uSOcw44eRTjzqd9pFSw



However, vaccination is only one part of the solution. It's crucial to take additional steps to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

Here are some practical tips to protect yourself from mosquito-bourne viruses:


By following these tips, you can protect yourself and your family from these potentially serious diseases.
Key Takeaways

  • Health authorities in NSW warned residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites following the detection of the Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus in far-west NSW.
  • A positive result for JE was found during routine testing of a sentinel chicken in Menindee, and the mosquito population is currently thriving due to wet, warm weather conditions.
  • NSW residents at high risk of JE are eligible for a free vaccine, and people are encouraged to check their eligibility and get vaccinated against the infection.
  • Practical steps to reduce the risk of acquiring a mosquito-borne virus include applying repellent, wearing protective clothing, avoiding peak mosquito times, using insecticide products, securing homes against mosquitoes, and removing water-collecting items to limit breeding sites.
Have you or someone you know been affected by a mosquito-borne disease? Share your experiences and tips for protection in the comments below.
Yes; I knew someone who contracted JE. He died. It can also cause very serious brain damage and paralysis. Fortunately there is a vaccine against it.

The Anopheles mosquito carries JE, dengue fever, malaria, Ross River fever and I believe yellow fever, whatever that is. However, the mosquito larva is also useful food for tadpoles, frogs and fish.
 
Thats one insect I hate, as I got bitten by a mossie, and ended up in Hospital for 3 weeks, got the Bainsdale ulcer a flesh eating bug, I got bitten on the right leg and it became like an ulcer took a few weeks to heal, then ended up in hospital it had laid dormant and ended up with a huge skin graft on my right side stomach,it was a nightmare, so I don't want to get bitten again.
 
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Piss off we don’t need your scummy ads loser go on get on your bike and go🤣fh
 

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