Communities across the Murrumbidgee region are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites and to get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis following recent detections of Ross River virus and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).
Murrumbidgee Local Health District Public Health Director, Alison Nikitas said Ross River virus was detected in mosquito samples collected at Wagga Wagga on 28 January 2025.
This follows a detection of Ross River virus in Albury on 20 January 2025 and detections of the virus in Griffith on 21 January 2025 and 21 December 2024.
NSW Health undertakes mosquito surveillance across the state from November to April each year, which provides important information about when mosquito-borne disease risk is elevated.
It also follows notification from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development of JEV detection in pigs in the region and other parts of NSW, indicating widespread risk.
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“It is very important for the community to be aware of the risks and to take precautions against mosquito bites,” Ms Nikitas said.
“Avoiding mosquito bites will protect against mosquito-borne infections such as Ross River virus, Murray Valley encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis, and Barmah Forest virus.
“While there is an effective vaccine against Japanese encephalitis, there is no vaccination or specific treatment for the Ross River virus and the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, which are most active at dusk and dawn.”
Ms Nikitas said these mosquito-borne viruses are spread to humans by infected mosquitoes, not from person to person.
“For Ross River virus only a small proportion of people infected with the virus will have any symptoms, which include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, stiffness and swelling, rash on the body, arms or legs and tiredness or weakness,” Ms Nikitas said.
“Most people will make a full recovery after a few weeks. Others may have symptoms such as joint pain and tiredness for many months.”
Like Ross River virus, Japanese encephalitis (JE) is spread by mosquitoes, not from person to person or from contact with pigs or pork.
A JEV vaccine is available through local General Practitioners (GPs), Aboriginal health services and pharmacists. Information on eligibility for a free JE vaccine is available on the NSW Health website.
People who meet the above criteria should make an appointment ahead of time and let them know it is for the JE vaccine. These providers may require a few days' notice so they can order the vaccine.
There have been no confirmed human cases of JE acquired in NSW since October 2022, although cases have been reported in Victoria and Queensland this year.
People are encouraged to take actions to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of acquiring a mosquito-borne virus by:
· Applying mosquito repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times
· Wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks
· Avoiding going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially dawn and dusk
· Using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas)
· Covering windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps
· Removing items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed
· Using repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions
· Protecting infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges
· While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net
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