rewrite this content and keep HTML tags
Holidaymakers and residents in Victoria’s north are at a higher risk of contracting a rare mosquito-borne brain infection, the state’s health department has warned.
Japanese encephalitis virus has been detected in insects caught in two mosquito traps in the Moira Shire — which includes the popular summer holiday destination of Yarrawonga and several camping and caravan spots along the River Murray.
It is the first time the mosquito-borne disease had been detected this season, the state’s health department said.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
The findings confirmed the virus was circulating in the state’s north near the Victoria/NSW border, Victoria Chief Health Officer Tarun Weeramanthri said.
“Japanese encephalitis virus can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain and is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes,” Weeramanthri said.
“If you’re visiting northern Victoria, particularly inland riverine regions and near the Murray River, you’re potentially at higher risk of infection.”
Japanese encephalitis is a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain that can be spread through mosquito bites.
Symptoms usually develop five to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Seizures
The infection can be fatal.
Residents and people holidaying in northern Victoria have been urged to take important steps to prevent contracting the infection this summer.
“It’s important to take steps to prevent mosquito bites so cover up, use repellent and limit your time outdoors when mosquitoes are about,” Weeramanthri said.
People camping or staying in caravans should ensure their mosquito screens are intact (or use mosquito nets instead) and always make sure doors or tent flaps are closed.
Victorian father Stephen Bond is currently battling Australia’s first reported case of Japanese encephalitis in three years.
Bond, 60, had been working in the NSW town of Finley near the Murray River when he began experiencing headache and fever symptoms in early December last year.
His wife took him to Shepparton Hospital in northern Victoria, but his condition deteriorated so rapidly over the next few days that he was airlifted to St Vincent’s ICU in Melbourne in a critical condition.
It has been confirmed the father of three contracted Japanese encephalitis, with doctors uncertain if he will recover.
There is no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis however a free vaccine is available in 24 high-risk local government areas in northern Victoria.
More information is available on the health department’s website.
