Date issued: 3 February 2023 (update to alert issued 25 January 2023)
Issued by: Associate Professor Deborah Friedman, Deputy Chief Health Officer (Communicable Disease)
Issued to: Health professionals and Victorian community
Key messages
- A second case of Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus infection has been confirmed in Victoria this mosquito season. The case spent time in Buloke Shire and Swan Hill during their acquisition period.
- Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus and West Nile (Kunjin) virus continue to be detected in mosquitoes in northern Victoria.
- People spending time outdoors in northern Victoria are strongly recommended to take measures to prevent mosquito bites to reduce their risk of mosquito-borne disease.
- JE virus and MVE virus can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the central nervous system and are spread to humans by infected mosquitoes.
- Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches, although most infected people do not have symptoms. In serious cases, people can develop meningitis or encephalitis.
- Anyone with symptoms should seek urgent medical care.
- Clinicians should test for MVE virus and JE virus in patients with a compatible illness and notify the Department of Health immediately of suspected cases by calling 1300 651 160.
- Read the full alert: Update on Japanese encephalitis virus and Murray Valley encephalitis virus in Victoria
