Health authorities have confirmed they are undertaking contact tracing and planning to vaccinate at risk groups after warning Victorians to take precautions against a potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus.
The virus is carried by mosquitoes who transmit it to ¬humans, which means it lacks the capacity to cause a pandemic such as Covid.
Most people with the virus have no symptoms, but about 10 per cent become unwell, while one per cent develop encephalitis, which has “much more significant symptoms”.
Seven locally acquired cases of JEV infection have been confirmed so far across the state.
Deputy Chief Health Officer Deb Friedman said it was the first time the virus had been ¬locally acquired in Victoria.
A Victorian Department of Health and Human Department of Health Department spokesperson also confirmed a man aged in his 60s from Northern Victoria has died from JEV.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” the DHHS spokesperson said.
“We strongly advise people take steps to limit their exposure to mosquitoes and avoid mosquito habitats such as stagnant water.”
Moira Shire Mayor Libro Mustica said JEV was a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain caused by a virus spread to humans through mosquito bites.
“Council has been informed JEV has been detected in pigs in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland,” Cr Mustica said.
“While the majority of people infected with JEV will not develop any symptoms at all, the small percentage who do will experience severe infection with symptoms including headache, vomiting, disorientation, seizures, and coma.
“In the most serious of cases there may be permanent neurological complications and death.”
Cr Mustica said the Department of Health messaging indicated people living along the Murray River may have an increased risk.
“People who go camping, work or spend time outdoors need to be mindful,” he said.
“People who work with or are in contact with pigs may also be at increased risk of infection.
“But there are easy steps to take to minimise any risks.”
Simple actions to avoid mosquito bites include:
•Cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear when outside.
•Use an effective insect repellent on exposed skin and reapply within a few hours. The best mosquito repellents contain Diethyl Toluamide (DEET), Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
•Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units (indoors) and mosquito coils (outdoors) to clear rooms or repel mosquitoes from an area.
•Cover all windows, doors, vents and other entrances with insect screens.
•Remove any water-holding containers outside the house where mosquitoes could breed.
Six piggeries in the local government areas of Loddon, Campaspe, Wangaratta, Gannawarra, Greater Shepparton and Bendigo have been considered infected.
Other exposure sites have since been detected including Echuca, Mildura, Wodonga and in campsites on the Victoria-NSW border.
In NSW, the Department of Primary Industries confirmed the virus had been detected at six Riverina pig farms at Corowa, Grong Grong, and Stockinbingal.
A Corowa resident has also been confirmed to have the virus and is currently in a critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital.
“This is the first time the virus has been detected in southern Australia, and biosecurity authorities are working with their human health departments to understand the implications and risks of human exposure,” Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Mark Schipp said.
Federal, state and territory authorities are meeting regularly to “work through the next steps of this situation”.
Less than one per cent of people infected with JEV experience symptoms, which typically include fever, joint pain, and rash. Occasionally, JEV can cause severe a neurological illness with headache, convulsions and reduced consciousness.
Australia's Acting Chief Medical Officer Sonya Bennett said two vaccinations were available for protection against JEV in Australia.
Older people and those aged under five who are infected have a higher risk of developing a serious illness.
"Encephalitis is the most serious clinical consequence of JEV infection. Illness usually begins with symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, headache and vomiting," she said.
Dr Bennett said anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek urgent medical attention.
Anyone who works with pigs or horses, even if they're backyard pets, is urged to keep an eye out and report any possible signs of the disease.
Stock owners who suspect JEV in pigs or other livestock must report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
For more information on the Japanese encephalitis virus go to the Department of Health website www.health.vic.gov.au.
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