A dangerous mosquito-borne virus has once again been detected in the Monto area, with health providers today warning North Burnett locals to avoid getting bitten and to access a free vaccine.
Monto residents received a text message from the Wide Bay Public Health Unit and Monto Family Practice on 12 February, confirming the presence of Japanese encephalitis virus in the area after findings by a “mosquito surveillance program”.
Queensland Health explained that mosquitos carrying the virus were found in a trap at Monto, triggering the alert. To date the government health service is not aware of any human cases of the virus in the area.
Japanese encephalitis is a virus similar to dengue fever or yellow fever. It is carried by pigs and wading birds, and can be spread to humans through mosquito bites.
Only around one per cent of infections produce symptoms after an incubation period of between five and 15 days.
In mild cases, the virus causes fevers and headaches, as well as abdominal pain and vomiting in children; severe infections can result in inflammation of the brain, convulsions, paralysis and coma.
Severe cases have a mortality rate of around 33 per cent, with a further one third of infections resulting in permanent disabilities.
In January this year, a man became the first Queensland case of Japanese encephalitis since mid-2022 after he was bitten near Goondiwindi.
The case caused Queensland Health to ask people in a number of regions – including the North and South Burnett – to adopt ‘mosquito-safe’ practices and access a free vaccine for the virus.
The North Burnett region had already grappled with Japanese encephalitis back in 2022, when Wide Bay Health mosquito detection programs found traces of the virus near Mundubbera, Monto and Mulgildie.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said today’s announcement served as another wake-up call to people living in areas rife with mosquitos.
“In recent weeks, Japanese encephalitis has been detected in mosquito populations in Goondiwindi, Inglewood and Monto,” Dr Carroll said.
“I encourage eligible Queenslanders in identified at-risk locations to be vaccinated against the virus.
“[V]accination is recommended and funded for residents living, working or visiting identified at risk local government areas in parts of the Gulf Peninsula, Torres Strait, Darling Downs, Wide Bay and Central West.
“Queenslanders are also reminded to take measures to prevent mosquito bites. The most effective way to prevent mosquito borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites,” Dr Carroll explained.
Queensland Health will issue a detailed statement on Japanese encephalitis on 13 February.
To learn more about Japanese encephalitis and find out where to get vaccinated, visit qld.gov.au/health/condition/infections-and-parasites/viral-infections/japanese-encephalitis
HOW TO STAY MOSQUITO-SAFE:
• Remove sources of stagnant water
Mosquitoes breed in small water sources such as those left behind by rain in buckets, tyres and other items. To prevent mosquito populations from exploding in your backyard, tip out any water after a big rain event. Wipe down the containers afterwards to clear out any remaining eggs.
• Wear proper clothing
Loose, long clothing in light colours has been shown to make mosquitoes less likely to bite you, limiting your exposure to the diseases they carry. Covered footwear is also advised. Mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk, so plan your outside trips accordingly.
• Insect repellent
Chemicals like diethyl toluamide (DEET), picardin and oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD) are known to repel mosquitoes. Apply insect repellent according to the manufacturer’s instructions before going outdoors, and make sure to reapply it after a few hours.
• Home prep
To prevent mosquitoes from getting inside of your home, put insect screens on your windows and doors. Electric zappers and mosquito coils (used outdoors) can also stop you from getting bitten, but ensure your children and pets cannot touch these items or are harmed by them. Consider putting up a mosquito net around your bed if you are unable to implement other measures.
