Background

On 4 March 2022, the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) situation in Australia was declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS), following detection of JEV in animals, and identification of cases in humans. JEV has been found in feral pigs across the Top End in 2022 and 3 human cases of JEV have occurred in the NT since 2021.

Some facts

Safe and effective vaccines for JE are available for people aged 2 months and over but due to limited supply in Australia the vaccines must be prioritised.

The current resident NT priority groups are:

• Personnel who work in feral pig or mosquitoes surveillance, control and management such as environmental health officers, veterinarians, entomologists and rangers
• People living and working in an area for at least a 30-day period within 10 km of where a human case has been acquired. This currently is as of 9 September 2022 - the Tiwi Islands, Gunbalanya and Adelaide River. The immunisation team from CDC is working with the clinics in these 3 areas to roll out the JEV vaccine.

What you should do

• Get vaccinated
• Keep flyscreens closed on tents and windows
• Wear long loose fitting clothes
• Apply effective mozzie repellent containing DEET
• Tip out any dirty water where mozzies can breed
• Limit outdoor activity at dawn and dusk

Downloads

Japanese Encephalitis - Fact Sheet

Japanese Encephalitis - Know the Facts