NSW records first Japanese encephalitis death since 2022

NSW has recorded its first Japanese encephalitis (JEV) death since May 2022, renewing warnings to be cautious in affected regions.

The man, aged in his 70s, died from an infection on Sunday in a Sydney hospital where he had been receiving treatment since early February.

Health authorities believe the man caught the infection from a trip to the NSW Murrumbidgee region in January.

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An additional case has also been identified in northern NSW.

A woman in her 60s likely got the infection on her rural property in Tenterfield Shire.

She is receiving treatment in hospital.

NSW Health's Executive Director of Health Protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said the death and additional case call for people to take precautions in areas with a high level of JEV concern.

"These two cases of JE virus, one of which was infected while travelling for a holiday, shows it is very important all people take precautions against mosquitoes, not just those living in affected regions," McAnulty said.

"If you plan on travelling west of the Great Dividing Range, whether for work or holiday, and you plan to spend time outdoors, JE is a risk you must consider.

"Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to avoid mosquitoes, and there is also a safe and effective vaccine available."

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The last recorded death from the illness in NSW dates back to May 2022.

The disease is spread via infected mosquitoes that have bitten pigs with the illness before biting a human.

The virus cannot be transmitted between humans and it cannot be caught by eating pork or other pig products.

NSW Health recommends wearing bug repellant and long clothing to deter mossies from biting skin.

The JEV vaccine is free for those eligible, including everyone who lives or works in LGAs prone to the infection, people who are living with limited protection from mosquitoes, like in tents or caravans, and people involved in flood recovery efforts.

LGAs of high Japanese encephalitis concern

• Albury
• Balranald
• Berrigan
• Bland
• Bogan
• Bourke
• Brewarrina
• Broken Hill

• Cabonne
• Cootamundra-Gundagai
• Cowra
• Carrathool
• Central Darling
• Cobar
• Coolamon
• Coonamble
• Dubbo Regional

• Edward River
• Federation
• Forbes
• Gilgandra
• Goulburn Mulwaree
• Greater Hume
• Griffith
• Gunnedah
• Gwydir

• Hay
• Hilltops
• Inverell
• Junee
• Lachlan
• Leeton
• Liverpool Plains
• Lockhart

• Mid-Western
• Moree Plains
• Murray River
• Murrumbidgee
• Orange
• Narrabri
• Narrandera
• Narromine

• Parkes
• Tamworth
• Temora
• Tenterfield
• Unincorporated Far West Area
• Upper Hunter
• Upper Lachlan

• Wagga Wagga
• Walgett
• Warren
• Warrumbungle
• Weddin
• Wentworth