NSW has reported the death of a person who had been receiving care for Japanese encephalitis (JE) since early February. This is the first death in NSW from JE since May of 2022. It is believed the person acquired JE while visiting the Murrumbidgee region in January.
JE is a rare but potentially serious disease spread to humans through mosquito bites. JE can be prevented through physical barriers aimed at preventing mosquito bites, and vaccination for individuals in high-risk groups.
Some Australian states have programs to fund vaccines for those with specific risk factors.
Read NSW Health’s full statement here.
For more information about JE disease and prevention, head to MVEC: Viêm não Nhật Bản.