Japanese encephalitis virus activity in the Kimberley

The following release was distributed by the Department of Health.

The Department of Health is urging residents and travellers to the Kimberley region to take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites over the coming weeks, following evidence of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) activity in Derby. 

The Department detected flavivirus activity through the sentinel chicken program last month, and follow-up testing confirms JEV activity.  

Multiple other sentinel chicken flocks across the east and west Kimberley have also detected flavivirus activity and further testing is underway to determine which viruses are present.

The Department’s Executive Director Environmental Health, Dr Michael Lindsay, said it was unusually early in the season for mosquito-borne viruses to be active.

“People in the north of Western Australia need to think about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and getting vaccinated against JEV,” Dr Lindsay said.

The risk of JEV infection is low and initial symptoms may include fever, drowsiness, headache, neck stiffness and vomiting. 

People experiencing these early symptoms should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

“Japanese encephalitis (JE) can progress to a severe form of the disease that causes swelling of the brain, resulting in muscle stiffness, seizures and in rare cases, death,” Dr Lindsay said.

“The best way to prevent JE and other mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.”

Japanese encephalitis is a vaccine-preventable disease. 

State-funded JEV vaccines are available for people in the highest risk groups in the Kimberley region and parts of the East Pilbara. 

Speak to your Aboriginal medical service, GP, other immunisation provider or visit the Healthy WA website to find out more.

Protect yourself and your family from the risk of mosquito-borne diseases by following these steps:

Cover up: 

• Avoid being outdoors at dawn and early evening when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long, loose fitting, light-coloured clothing.
• Dress babies and children in suitable clothing, including socks/shoes, and use bed/pram netting.
• Ensure insect screens are installed and in good condition on houses and caravans.
• Use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents if sleeping outside.

Repel:

• Apply an effective personal mosquito repellent containing diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (also known as PMD) evenly to all areas of exposed skin and always follow the label instructions.

Clean up:

• Keep grass and other vegetation short to help prevent mosquitoes around your home.
• Empty or remove water holding containers around your home.

Get vaccinated:

• Check if you are eligible for the state-funded JEV vaccine.

For more information, including further mosquito-borne disease symptoms and mosquito prevention tips, visit HealthyWA.