Warning after mosquitoes found carrying deadly Japanese encephalitis
Mosquitoes around a NSW outback town are carrying a potentially deadly illness, with locals urged to do their best to avoid bites.
Japanese encephalitis has been found in the insects in the Moree area, the first instance of the disease found in the state this year.
It comes a month after it was detected in the Griffith area, on the other side of the state.
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Japanese encephalitis kills about a quarter of its victims. Supplied
Meanwhile, another potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus was found elsewhere in the state.
Murray Valley encephalitis virus has also been found in chicken flocks in Cowra and West Wyalong, in samples collected last month.
NSW Health warns both viruses can cause severe brain swelling and even death.
Symptoms of brain swelling include neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, seizures, paralysis and coma.
"These detections indicate the risk for mosquito-borne virus transmission is widespread, particularly in the 55 NSW local government areas that are at higher risk of JE in the inland regions," NSW Health's Executive Director of Health Protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said.
"I encourage anyone planning to spend time outdoors in these higher-risk areas to take steps to protect against mosquito bites."
For those in at-risk areas, a vaccine for Japanese encephalitis is available at GPs, pharmacies and Aboriginal health services.
There is no vaccine for Murray Valley encephalitis.
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Murray Valley encephalitis is spread from infected mosquitoes. iStock
Health officials suggest people in at-risk areas wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants, covered footwear and socks.
They also suggest wearing insect repellent and avoiding going outside at dusk and dawn.
Around the house, mosquitoes may breed in items that collect water such as old tyres or empty pots.
Officials also suggest having flyscreens on windows and doors and making sure there are no holes.
There is no specific treatment for acute Japanese encephalitis.
About 30 per cent of people who develop the neurological illness do not survive.
For those that do, about half will have long-term neurological impacts.
Fewer than one per cent of those infected with encephalitis viruses end up developing acute symptoms.
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