General News
2 March, 2023
JEV more prevalent than first thought, survey finds
A survey of residents in northern Victoria has revealed Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has infected more people than first thought, with vaccination eligibility criteria now expanded. Conducted by serosurvey, more than 800 people in the region...

A survey of residents in northern Victoria has revealed Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has infected more people than first thought, with vaccination eligibility criteria now expanded.
Conducted by serosurvey, more than 800 people in the region completed a questionnaire and gave a blood sample, which found approximately one in 30 participants had evidence of having a prior JEV infection.
Participants who showed evidence of prior infection were aged between 25 and 90, with a median age of 73, and a majority were male.
According to the Department of Health, the results suggest many more people may have been infected than the number of symptomatic cases reported (13) in last year’s mosquito season.
“By finding more cases than we were previously aware of, this important research reinforces the risk to all in the community that mosquito-borne diseases pose — especially in light of recent flood activity,” Victoria Deputy Chief Health Officer associate professor Deborah Friedman said.
“There are sensible steps people can take to avoid mosquito bites. Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, use insect repellents, clear stagnant water around homes or properties, and avoid the outdoors when mosquitoes are observed, especially at dusk and dawn.”
Since the survey, eligibility criteria for vaccination against JEV has been extended to seven local government areas — Greater Bendigo, Northern Grampians, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Buloke, Yarriambiack and West Wimmera.
The Loddon and Campaspe shires have already been identified as high-risk local government areas for JEV.
People who work, reside at or are visiting a piggery, pork abattoir or pork rendering plant are also eligible for the vaccine.
Vaccination is free. To access, contact your GP, local pharmacy, or public health unit including Bendigo Health (email phu@bendigohealth.org.au)
What is Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis is a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain caused by the JE virus, transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito
Most infections are not symptomatic — in fact less than one percent of people with the virus develop severe infection.
Symptoms usually begin with sudden onset of fever, headache, vomiting.
Further symptoms that may develop include mental status changes, generalised weakness, and movement disorders.
More serious symptoms that can present include stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, and loss of coordination.