Griffith City Council has detected Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in a mosquito caught in a surveillance trap at Lake Wyangan this week.
The detection is part of the Council’s ongoing Arbovirus Surveillance and Mosquito Monitoring Program, which monitors mosquito-borne diseases in the region.
The Council says recent rain events have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as JEV. The virus poses a significant public health concern, and residents are being strongly encouraged to take steps to protect themselves and their families.
The Council is urging residents to follow the ‘Spray up, Cover up, Clean up, Screen up!’ guidelines:
- Cover Up: Wear loose, long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing and covered footwear,
especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Tight clothing is not
mosquito-proof. - Spray Up: Apply mosquito repellent containing picaridin, DEET, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
to exposed skin. Follow product instructions and reapply as necessary. Remember to apply
sunscreen first, then repellent. - Clean Up: Remove standing water around your home where mosquitoes may breed, such
as in buckets, bird baths, or other containers. - Screen Up: Ensure windows and doors are fitted with secure screens to keep mosquitoes
out.
A safe and effective Japanese encephalitis vaccine is available free of charge for people aged two months or older who live or routinely work in the Griffith Local Government Area.
For more information about Japanese encephalitis, including symptoms, prevention tips, and vaccination details, read the NSW Health JEV Fact Sheet.
