A Queensland health department branch has discovered further instances of Japanese encephalitis virus in the North Burnett, alerting the region’s residents of the find via text message.
The Wide Bay Public Health Unit and Mundubbera Medical Centre sent out the alert to North Burnett locals just after 12pm on Wednesday, 5 March.
A spokesperson for Wide Bay Health confirmed the discovery of the mosquito-borne virus happened toward the end of February “across more than one location” in the North Burnett region.
They were unable to confirm which areas the virus was found in exactly.
Wednesday’s alert followed the first confirmed North Burnett instance of Japanese encephalitis in nearly three years, when a mosquito surveillance program trap caught infected insects at Monto in early February.
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 of 2025, a man became Queensland’s first human case of Japanese encephalitis in over two years, with health care workers believing he was bitten by a mosquito near Goondiwindi.
Thus far, no North Burnett residents have become infected with the virus, but New South Wales health officials confirmed two new human cases of the disease in the Tenterfield Shire in late February.
Wide Bay Health reminded North Burnett locals that a free vaccine for the virus was available to all residents of the region.
Ahead of predicted rain and flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Burnett locals should also ensure they do not allow mosquitos to breed in their yard.
The flying insects place their eggs in stagnant water sources like buckets or tubs. To deny mosquitos breeding spaces, empty all water receptacles before and after rain, or remove them altogether.
To register for a vaccine, visit forms.office.com/r/gp9kQz8BXq
Further information on Japanese encephalitis can be found on qld.gov.au/health/condition/infections-and-parasites/viral-infections/japanese-encephalitis
