NSW Health is urging people to protect themselves from mosquito bites this summer following the recent detections of Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus.

This week JE virus was detected in feral pigs from the Narromine Shire local government area (LGA). This detection follows a detection of JE virus in routine mosquito surveillance from the Griffith area earlier this month.

NSW Health's Executive Director of Health Protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said these detections are concerning as the number of mosquitoes will increase due to ideal breeding conditions.

“As summer holidays begin, we remind everyone in NSW to protect themselves against mosquito borne diseases such as Japanese encephalitis, Murray Valley encephalitis, Ross River virus and Barmah forest virus," Dr McAnulty said.

“The detections of JE virus near Griffith and Narromine indicate that the risk for JEV transmission is likely broad, particularly in the 55 NSW LGAs that have been identified to be at higher risk of JE in the inland regions of NSW.

“There is a safe, effective and free vaccine to protect against JE which is available to anyone who lives or routinely works in these 55 LGAs and for people who work in some other high-risk occupations.”

JE vaccine is available through local General Practitioners, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists. People who meet the eligibility criteria should make an appointment ahead of time and let them know it is for the JE vaccine. These providers may require a few days’ notice so they can order the vaccine.

Whether you are staying home or travelling during the summer holidays, NSW Health is reminding people to take action to prevent mosquito bites.

Actions to prevent mosquito bites 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
• Using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas)
• Covering windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps
• Removing items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed
• Using repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions
• Protecting infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges
• While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net

Information on eligibility for a free JE vaccine is available on Japanese encephalitis vaccination.

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

For further information on JE virus and ways to protect yourself visit Mosquito borne diseases.