General News
27 January, 2025
JEV case detected in Qld
Darling Downs Health is urging all community members in the southwest of the region to ensure they are vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), following a confirmed case in the Goondiwindi region.
The confirmed case is in a man currently hospitalised at Townsville University Hospital, who likely became infected over the Christmas period while visiting Yelarbon, near Goondiwindi.
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.
JEV vaccination is available for free to many at-risk groups and locations around Queensland.
It is recommended for people who live or work in the local government areas who are at risk of mosquito bites in the southwest area of Toowoomba Regional Council including Millmerran.
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.
If you are concerned, seek medical advice.
A full list of JEV vaccine service providers can be found on the Queensland Health Immunisation clinic finder map.
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.
To find out if you are eligible for a free vaccination, head to the Queensland Health website at www.qld.gov.au/health/condition/infections-and-parasites/viral-infections/japanese-encephalitis
