Health warnings issued for mosquito-borne disease after virus detected in Queensland, NSW and Victoria

There have been new warnings issued on Saturday night, by NSW and Victorian health authorities, over the mosquito-borne disease Japanese encephalitis.

Traces of the virus, which can affect both animals and humans, have been detected in mosquitoes in multiple states.

The disease has been detected in samples from commercial pig farms at five locations in southern and western New South Wales, indicating the virus is likely circulating in the mosquito population, a NSW Health spokesperon said.

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Evidence of the virus has also been found in pigs in the town of Echuca in northern Victoria, as well as southern Queensland.

"It is really important to protect yourself from mosquito bites as mosquitoes can spread viruses including Japanese encephalitis," NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said.

Victoria's Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said the disease can't be passed between humans but people can take simple steps to protect themselves from getting the illness.

"We can all protect ourselves by avoiding mosquito bites, including covering up, wearing loose-fitting clothing and using mosquito repellents," Professor Sutton said.

Less than one per cent of people infected with JEV experience symptoms, which typically include fever, joint pain and rash.

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Occasionally, JEV can cause severe neurological illness with headaches, convulsions and reduced consciousness.

"There is no specific treatment for JEV or other mosquito-borne viruses," Dr Chant said.

"The best way to avoid infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes."

Simple actions to avoid mosquito bites

Things you can do to prevent mosquito bites include:

• Cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear when outside.
• Use an effective insect repellent on exposed skin and reapply within a few hours. The best mosquito repellents contain Diethyl Toluamide (DEET), Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units (indoors) and mosquito coils (outdoors) to clear rooms or repel mosquitoes from an area.
• Cover all windows, doors, vents and other entrances with insect screens.
• Remove any water-holding containers outside the house where mosquitoes could breed.

People with increased exposure to mosquitoes may be at a higher risk of infection, such as those in regional areas and who work with or are in contact with pigs as well as people camping, working or spending time outdoors in these regions.

Children aged under five years old and older people who are infected with JEV are at a higher risk of developing more severe illness, such as encephalitis.