NSW Health is urging the community to take precautions against mosquito bites after a fourth NSW resident was confirmed to have Japanese encephalitis (JE).
The confirmed case is a woman aged in her 60s who spent time in the Griffith region before the onset of her illness. She was treated in hospital before being discharged recently and she is continuing to recover at home. This is the second confirmed case who has spent time in the Griffith region.
Several more people in NSW are currently undergoing further testing for JE and more cases are expected to be confirmed over the coming days and weeks.
Locally acquired cases of JE have never previously been identified in NSW in animals or humans. Since late February 2022, the JE virus has been confirmed in samples from pig farms in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.
The JE virus is spread by mosquitoes and can infect animals 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 and reduced consciousness in some cases.
The best thing people throughout the state can do to protect themselves and their families against JE is to take steps to avoid mosquito bites.
Simple actions you can take include:
Avoid going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially at dawn and dusk, and close to wetland and bushland areas.
Wear long sleeves and pants outdoors (reduce skin exposure). Also wear shoes and socks where possible. There are insecticides (e.g. permethrin) available for treating clothing for those spending extended periods outdoors.
Apply repellent to all areas of exposed skin, especially those that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus which are the most effective against mosquitoes. The strength of a repellent determines the duration of protection with the higher concentrations providing longer periods of protection. Always check the label for reapplication times.
Reapply repellent after swimming. The duration of protection from repellent is also reduced with perspiration, such as during strenuous activity or hot weather so it may need to be reapplied more frequently.
Apply the sunscreen first and then apply the repellent. Be aware that DEET-containing repellents may decrease the sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreens so you may need to re-apply the sunscreen more frequently.
For children in particular – most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older when used according to directions, although some formulations are only recommended for children aged 12 months and older – always check the product. Infants aged less than three months can be protected from mosquitoes by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting that is secured along the edges.
If camping, ensure the tent has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering.
Mosquito coils and other devices that release insecticides can assist reducing mosquito bites but should be used in combination with topical insect repellents.
Reduce all water holding containers around the home where mosquitoes could breed. Mosquitoes only need a small amount of liquid to breed.
For further information on mosquito-borne disease and ways to protect yourself go to:
Maroubra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) is now open The Maroubra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) is now open, seven days a week, from 8.00am to 8.00pm. It was officially launched by member for Kingsford Smith, the hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP (pictured at the launch with CESPHN CEO Nathalie Hansen…
Media Release: Central and Eastern Sydney PHN releases Healthy Ageing Strategy to empower older people In response to the increasing longevity and rapid growth of the older population the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) is proud to release its new Healthy Ageing Strategy 2023-2028. This comprehensive strategy…
Launch of new Australian Guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk The 2023 Australian Guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk, and associated Australian cardiovascular disease risk calculator (Aus CVD Risk Calculator), will become the new standard of care for the primary prevention of CVD in Australia. This…
At CESPHN we value your feedback and invite you to complete the 2023 stakeholder engagement survey At CESPHN, we value your feedback and invite you to complete the stakeholder engagement survey on our service delivery and communication over the past 12 months. This short survey only takes five minutes and…
CESPHN Healthy Ageing Strategy 2023-28 has been released The Central and Eastern Sydney PHN has developed a Healthy Ageing Strategy to empower older people in our region to live more active and fulfilling lives, enabled by inclusive communities, and supported by integrated person-centred health and social services. Healthy ageing relies…
NSW community urged to be on alert amid rise in listeriosis NSW Health is reminding people who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or aged over 65 years to avoid foods that can cause listeriosis, following several confirmed cases of listeria infection in NSW. Listeriosis infection, which comes from consuming food contaminated with…
CESPHN Primary Health Awards: 2023 Finalists and Winners announced At a packed event last night at the Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea, CESPHN held its annual Primary Health Awards. CESPHN’s multicultural community was reflected in our numerous and diverse submissions. All immensely impressive. The winners, announced at the awards event,…