NSW Health's routine surveillance detected Kunjin virus through a sentinel chicken blood sample at Cowra on November 20, while Horsham Rural City Council region in Victoria recently detected Japanese Encephalitis virus in mosquito samples, marking the first detection of the 2025/2026 season.
MLHD public health director Alison Nikitas said these early detections are concerning.
“Mosquito numbers will likely increase with warmer weather, and we remind everyone in NSW to protect themselves against mosquito bites, which can cause diseases such as Japanese Encephalitis and Murray Valley Encephalitis, and infection with Kunjin virus, Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus,” she said.
While no detections have occurred within MLHD, 60 NSW local government areas are considered higher risk for Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV), with 20 falling within the MLHD region.
“There is a safe, effective and free vaccine to protect against Japanese Encephalitis.
“This vaccine is free to anyone who lives or routinely works in high risk LGAs and for people who work in some other high-risk occupations,.”
The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is available through general practitioners, Aboriginal health services and some pharmacists.
Eligible people should make appointments in advance, as providers may require several days' notice to order the vaccine.
No vaccination exists for Kunjin virus or other mosquito-borne diseases in Australia.
Prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Recommended protection measures include applying DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus repellents to exposed skin, wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting long clothing, avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito times, using insect screens on windows and doors, and removing water-collecting items from around homes.
For more advice, go to www.health.nsw.gov.au/mosquitoes.
