Local residents of Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) who meet eligibility criteria are reminded to vaccinate now against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) to be protected in time for the summer mosquito season.
Spray up, cover up, screen up
NSW Health’s routine surveillance of mosquito numbers across the state - the Arbovirus Surveillance and Mosquito Monitoring program - has now begun in inland areas of NSW, signalling the start of the mosquito-borne disease season.
MLHD's Acting Director Public Health, Alison Nikitas is urging people who meet the eligibility criteria for vaccination to speak to their local doctor about the risks of mosquito-borne viruses in time for summer and to discuss with their doctor if they are eligible for a JEV vaccine.
“It is particularly important to vaccinate now if you are eligible because it takes up to four weeks following vaccination to develop a protective immune response to the JE virus,” Ms Nikitas said.
NSW recently expanded access to JEV vaccine for people who meet the criteria living or working in the declared 14 local government areas where JE virus activity has been detected.
live or work in any of the following Local Government Areas (LGAs):
Albury, Balranald, Berrigan, Carrathool, Dubbo Regional, Edward River, Federation, Goulburn Mulwaree, Greater Hume, Griffith, Lockhart, Murray River, Temora, or Wentworth and
are aged 50 years or older and
spend significant time outdoors (four hours per day)
The JEV vaccine is available through local General Practitioners (GPs).
People who meet the above criteria should make an appointment with their doctor and let them know it is for the JEV vaccine. GPs may require a few days’ notice so they can order the vaccine.
The vaccine is also recommended for people travelling to some overseas counties. These vaccines are available for purchase on the private market.
Ms Nikitas also said that people in the Murrumbidgee should take action now to protect themselves and their families against JE and other mosquito borne viruses.
“I would continue to urge the community to stay vigilant and take precautions against mosquito bites altogether because, aside from JEV, mosquitoes carry a range of viruses for which there are no vaccines,” Ms Nikitas said.
How to protect yourself and your family:
The best protection against all mosquito-borne viruses is to avoid getting bitten.
You can:
cover openings such as windows and doors with insect screens and make sure there are no gaps in them
remove items that might collect water outside your house where mosquitoes can breed. Examples: old tyres, empty pots
improve drainage on your property so that water does not become stagnant
wear light, loose-fitting clothing that cover your arms and legs when outdoors. Also, wear socks and covered footwear, especially around dusk and dawn
apply repellent to all areas of exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil
re-apply repellent regularly, especially after swimming. Be sure to always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent
use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to keep mosquitos away. Only use mosquito coils outside.
Communities across the Murrumbidgee region are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites and to get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis following recent detections of Ross River virus and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).
Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) staff, executive and board congratulate Chief Executive Jill Ludford on being awarded the Public Service Medal in the Australia Day Honours List.
Communities in Albury, Griffith, and surrounding areas are encouraged to take precautions against mosquito bites as NSW Health’s routine mosquito surveillance has detected Ross River virus in those regions.