Murrumbidgee Local Health District is urging people who are now eligible for a Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine to come forward, with access to the vaccine now expanded to include priority groups in high-risk Local Government Areas (LGAs).
In addition to the current Communicable Diseases Network Australia's national priority groups, the JE Vaccine is now recommended for people who:
• live or work in the following local government areas (LGAs) in southern NSW: Wentworth, Balranald, Murray River, Edward River, Berrigan, Federation, Albury, Greater Hume, and Griffith AND
• are aged between 50-65 AND
• are employed in an occupation that is largely or totally outdoors (defined as spending at least four hours per day outdoors).
"The JE vaccine is available through local General Practitioners for those who are eligible," said Tracey Oakman, MLHD Director of Public Health.
"If you meet the above criteria, we encourage you to make an appointment with your GP and advise them it is for the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine. However, you may need to give your GP a few days' notice so the GP can order the vaccine."
The expansion to these priority groups ensures consistency of approach for NSW residents along the Victorian border, aligning with the approach in Victoria.
"Further expansion of the JEV vaccine program will depend on vaccine supply and findings from the community seroprevalence survey taking place in regional NSW," Mrs Oakman said.
Thirteen people were diagnosed with Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) in NSW earlier this year and two of those people died. All were estimated to have acquired the virus between mid-January and the end of February.
JEV is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. It is a common infection in the tropical regions of Asia and was detected for the first time in NSW in late February 2022. The virus can also infect other animals, such as birds and pigs.
Environmental control measures you can take to reduce your risk of exposure include:
• Cover openings such as windows and doors with insect screens.
• Remove water-holding containers outside your house where mosquitoes can breed.
• Improve drainage on your property so that water does not become stagnant
Personal protective measures to take once mosquitos appear (usually from late spring until winter) to protect yourself include:
• Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks.
• Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk.
• Apply repellent to all areas of exposed skin, especially those that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus which are the most effective against mosquitoes.
• Reapply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent.
• Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos. Mosquito coils should only be used outside.
For the latest information on confirmed cases of JEV and advice on how to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases visit the NSW Health website.
