Communities across southern parts of NSW are being urged to protect themselves against mosquito bites following a probable case of Japanese encephalitis (JE), as well as detection of the virus in sentinel chickens.
JE is a rare but serious illness spread by infected mosquitoes which in some cases can cause severe neurological illness with headache, confusion, convulsions and reduced consciousness.
A probable case of JE is being investigated in a man in his 60s, who was likely exposed to JE virus in the Riverina region in late December of last year.
NSW Health can also advise of a recent detection of JE virus in the Upper Lachlan Shire near Goulburn through a sentinel chicken blood sample in early January 2026, which indicates that JE virus is likely circulating in the area.
NSW Health uses routine sentinel chicken surveillance to provide early warnings about the presence of mosquito-borne viruses.
Director Public Health for Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW LHDs Alison Nikitas said given the widespread area of these detections, anyone living or working in areas at high-risk for JE should take steps to protect themselves by avoiding mosquito bites and getting vaccinated.
"There is no specific treatment for JE so it is very important for people who live in or travel to these areas to be aware of the elevated risk," Ms Nikitas said.
"Importantly, there is a safe, effective vaccine to protect against JE virus which is free to anyone who lives or routinely works in various inland regions as well as for people who work in some other high-risk occupations."
The JE vaccine is available through general practitioners, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists.
People who meet the eligibility criteria for vaccination should make an appointment with their GP, Aboriginal Medical Service or pharmacy and let the provider know it is for the JE vaccine. These providers may require a few days' notice so they can place an order for the vaccine.
A booster dose may be recommended for some people. People who have been vaccinated more than a year ago should discuss whether they need a booster with healthcare provider.
To prevent mosquito bites:
• Apply repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times and make sure repellents are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older.
• Re-apply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Be sure to apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent
• Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and covered footwear
• Avoid going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially dawn and dusk
• Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas)
• Cover windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps
• Remove items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed
• Protect 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
Information on eligibility for a free JE vaccine is available on Japanese encephalitis vaccination.
JE virus cannot be transmitted directly between humans or from any other animal.
