Sydney Man Dies From Japanese Encephalitis

A Sydney man has died after contracting Japanese encephalitis (JE), marking the first death from the disease in NSW since May 2022.

The man aged in his 70s from northern Sydney had been receiving care for JE since early February. 

According to NSW Health, the man likely contracted JE while holidaying in the Murrumbidgee region in January. 

An additional case of JE has been identified in a woman in her 60s in northern NSW. She likely acquired the infection on her rural property in Tenterfield Shire and is receiving care in hospital.

NSW Health’s Executive Director of Health Protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty stated that these developments were a reminder of the importance for people to take precautions against mosquitoes, including vaccination.

“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,” Dr 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.

How is Japanese Encephalitis spread?

Japanese encephalitis is spread when a mosquito bites an animal (such as pigs or waterbirds) that has the JE virus and then the mosquito bites a human.

Humans are not able to give Japanese encephalitis virus to other humans. 

Humans also cannot get Japanese encephalitis virus by touching an infected animal or eating animal products.

Those who are more likely to get Japanese encephalitis virus include: 

• people who work or do outside activities (e.g., camping, fishing, hiking, gardening) in high-risk areas.
• people working at and, or living close to piggeries (if infected by a mosquito, pigs can get high levels of virus, and infect more mosquitoes if bitten)

“Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to avoid mosquitoes, and there is also a safe and effective vaccine available,” Dr McAnulty said. 

The JE vaccine is available through local general practitioners, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists to anyone who lives or routinely works in various inland LGAs or high-risk occupations.

People who meet the eligibility criteria should make an appointment and let the provider know it is for the JE vaccine, as they may require a few days’ notice to order the vaccine.

There is no specific treatment for JE which, in some cases, can cause severe neurological illness with headache, convulsions, reduced consciousness and death, according to NSW Health. 

The best thing people can do to protect themselves and their families is to take steps to avoid mosquitoes.

Simple actions you can take include:

• Applying repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times
• Re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Be sure to apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent
• Wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear. and socks
• Avoiding going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially dawn and dusk