Queensland Japanese Encephalitis Virus Update 2 – 17 January 2025
Published on 17 January 2025
Following the Queensland Health statement earlier today [Friday, 17 January 2025] regarding the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) case originating in Yelarbon, Council provides the following update.
The majority of JEV cases show no or few symptoms, with less than one percent of those infected with JEV going on to develop the more serious Japanese Encephalitis (JE) disease. Those who do develop symptoms may experience a fever and headache or abdominal pain and vomiting in children. If you are concerned, please seek medical advice.
JEV can only be spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. JEV does not spread directly between people.
Queensland Health recommends a JEV vaccination when JEV is present in a community, however there is currently a limited supply in Goondiwindi, Inglewood, and Texas. Queensland Health is working towards increasing availability over the coming week, and residents, particularly those in Yelarbon, are encouraged to contact their local pharmacy or medical centre for more information.
When available later next week, the vaccine will be free to residents of the Goondiwindi region. However, a medical professional fee may be payable.
As identified above, for 99% of the population who may be infected, they will not have any symptoms. However, as a precaution, community members should continue mosquito-safe behaviours such as wearing light colours, long sleeves, socks, and insect repellent when outdoors and utilising mosquito screens when indoors. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, and staying indoors during this time can help avoid them.
Information about the Japanese Encephalitis Virus can be found on the Queensland Health website here – Japanese encephalitis | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government.
Council has a plan to actively support Queensland Health in the coming weeks on the testing and monitoring of mosquitoes in the area. The advice from Queensland Health is that there are no effective vector control measures e.g. fogging, due to the type of mosquito carrying JEV.