Japanese Encephalitis or JE is a rare but potentially serious mosquito-borne disease. While most people who contract the disease will not experience symptoms, those who do are at risk of experiencing severe disease and neurological complications, so it is important for our community to be protected from this virus.
“Since vaccines became available in 2023 for residents in high-risk areas of NSW, the Royal Flying Doctor Service has played an active role in protecting the community from JE, and we continue to provide these services through our clinics in the West and Far West NSW,” says Dr Shannon Nott, Chief Medical Officer, South Eastern Section.
“With the likelihood of increased cases in 2025 following recent detection of the virus in the Moree, Griffith and Narromine Shire regions of NSW, we are encouraging the community to take early and proactive steps to protect themselves from this virus and monitor for symptoms.“
JE is spread by mosquitos who have bitten an animal (such as a pig) carrying the virus and then biting a human. Humans cannot contract JE from another human or catch the virus by touching an infected animal or by eating animal products.
Those who are most at risk of catching JE are those who work or do outside activities like hiking, camping, fishing, or gardening, or those who work or live close to piggeries.
While most people will be asymptomatic to JE, 1 in every 250 people may experience a severe infection so it is important to be aware of the symptoms and contact your doctor you experience any of the following symptoms:
- fever
- headache
- vomiting
- neck stiffness
- disorientation
- tremors
- coma
- seizures
- paralysis
What you can do to protect yourself against Japanese Encephalitis
Avoid getting bitten!
It can seem obvious, but the best way to avoid JE is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitos.
Mosquitoes may carry other viruses that cause disease in humans such as Ross River, Barmah Forest and, rarely, the virus that causes Murray Valley encephalitis and Kunjin, so it is important to protect yourself against all mosquito bites.
Cover up, Spray up, Clean up
Cover up: Wear long sleeved clothing when undertaking activities or work outdoors.
Spray up: Apply mosquito repellent to exposed areas of skin when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active.
Clean up: Standing water is the breeding ground of choice for mosquitos. Reduce mosquito activity by emptying or cleaning up containers of water left outside.
Get vaccinated
A safe and effective vaccine for Japanese Encephalitis is available free of charge through your local RFDS clinic.
You only need to be vaccinated once, and a booster is not generally required.
To make a booking for your vaccination please contact your local RFDS clinic and request the JE Vaccine when you make your appointment. If you are not an RFDS patient, please speak to your regular GP.
For more information, chat to your local GP or read more on the NSW Health website.
