FWLHD Director of Public Health, Priscilla Stanley, said it is important for people in the region to be vigilant about protecting themselves, particularly after Japanese encephalitis (JE) has been detected locally.
“The NSW Health sentinel chicken program provides early warning about the presence of serious mosquito borne diseases, like JE,” Ms Stanley said. “Routine testing in late December revealed a positive result for JE in a sample from Menindee.”
The JE virus can infect animals, including pigs, and humans. The virus cannot be transmitted between humans and it cannot be caught by eating pork or other pig products.
There is no specific treatment for JE, which can cause severe neurological illness with headache, convulsions, reduced consciousness, and death in some cases.
“The best thing people throughout FWLHD can do to protect themselves and their families against mosquito borne diseases, including JE, is to avoid mosquito bites,” Ms Stanley said.
“Spray up, Cover up, Clean up, Screen up!”
Simple actions to prevent mosquito bites include:
- Apply repellent to exposed skin, using repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times
- Re-apply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming, being sure to apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent
- Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks
- Avoid going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially at 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 might collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around the home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed
- Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older, when used according to the instructions, always check the product
- Infants aged less than three months can be protected from mosquitoes by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges
- If camping, ensure the tent has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering
Ms Stanley also urged everyone eligible to receive the free JE vaccine to be vaccinated if they have not already done so.
People over 2 months of age, who regularly spend time outdoors, are experiencing homelessness or living in conditions with limited mosquito protection, like tents, caravans or dwellings with no insect screens, are eligible for the free vaccine.
People should call ahead to the doctor or pharmacist to ensure they have stock available.
For more information about eligibility and access to the JE vaccination, visit: www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/jev/Pages/vaccination.aspx
For further information on mosquito-borne disease and ways to protect yourself go to:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/pests/vector/Pages/resources.aspx
Fact sheets on specific mosquito-borne diseases, including JE virus, are available at:
www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/pests/vector/Pages/factsheets.aspx
