Warm and wet weather create the perfect breeding environments for mosquitoes, increasing the likelihood of disease that can make you ill. Your best protection against mosquitoes and the viruses they can carry is to avoid mozzie bites.
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The eligibility criteria for JE vaccine has recently expanded to include people aged 2 months or older who meet eligibility criteria and live or routinely work in any of the following high-risk local government areas of Campaspe, Gannawarra, Greater Shepparton, Indigo, Loddon, Mildura, Moira, Swan Hill, Wodonga, Towong, Benalla, Wangaratta and Strathbogie, Greater Bendigo, Northern Grampians, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Buloke, Yarriambiack, West Wimmera.
Booster doses are now available. As per the Australian Immunisation Handbook, JEV Booster doses are recommended 1–2 years after initial vaccination for those with ongoing risk of JEV exposure for:
Initial and booster doses are funded for people who are eligible as part of this program. For more information speak to your immunisation provider.
You can check if you are eligible for a free-of-charge JE vaccine here.
Several clinics in the Grampians region are offering JE vaccination.
Please contact the clinics directly to book.
Japanese encephalitis is a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It can be spread to humans through mosquito bites.
Japanese encephalitis virus was detected in Victoria for the first time in February 2022 in pigs, humans, and mosquitoes.
Ross River virus infection can cause fever, rash, joint inflammation and pain, fatigue and muscle aches.
Ross River virus infection is caused by an alphavirus, which is spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms usually begin to appear 3 to 9 (but up to 21) days after becoming infected.
There is no vaccine for Ross River virus, so preventing mosquito bites is important.
Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) is a serious, but rare infection caused by Murray Valley encephalitis virus. Most people don’t have any symptoms, while others may develop a mild illness and make a full recovery. A small proportion of people infected develop encephalitis, which is an inflammation (swelling) of the brain tissue. This can lead to brain damage or death.
There is no vaccine for Murray Valley Encephalitis, so preventing mosquito bites is important.
Barmah Forest virus infection can cause fever, a rash of variable appearance, joint inflammation and pain, muscle aches and fatigue.
Symptoms usually begin to appear between 7 to 10 (but up to 21) days after becoming infected, however many people infected with Barmah Forest virus will never develop any symptoms.
There is no vaccine for Barmah Forest Virus, so preventing mosquito bites is important.
Evidence is emerging that mosquitoes are involved in spreading the microbe responsible for Buruli Ulcer in Victoria (which occurs particularly around Melbourne, and on the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulars). Avoiding mosquitoes is the key to preventing mosquito-borne disease.