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With the virus detected in NSW and Victoria and the season’s first human case, GPs should be prepared for patients asking about protection.
The virus has been detected in the areas of Moree, Griffith, and the Narromine Shire in New South Wales, and in northern Victoria along the Murray River.
With Japanese encephalitis virus detected in more locations across Australia, experts are urging GPs to be prepared for questions from patients, and to equip their communities with the knowledge to avoid serious mosquito-borne diseases this summer.
The warning comes after the first clinical case of Japanese encephalitis was formally reported in Victoria, leaving one man fighting for his life, and further formal detections of virus-carrying mosquitoes reported by New South Wales authorities.
Currently, the virus has been detected in the areas of Moree, Griffith, and the Narromine Shire in New South Wales, and in northern Victoria along the Murray River.
Serological surveillance studies from Victoria and New South Wales suggest most cases of Japanese encephalitis virus are asymptomatic and go undetected, with around 1% of people developing encephalitis.
Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit Clinical Director Dr Will Cross, who works in areas where the virus has been detected in Victoria, told newsGP his priority is to ensure ‘people are as aware as possible’ of the situation.
‘We’re working to make sure that our primary care providers including GPs, are aware that we’re probably at a higher risk than what we have been in previous years,’ he said
‘We want to make sure that GPs, particularly in the Murray Darling area, really keep Japanese encephalitis in their differentials when they’re seeing people that have compatible symptoms.
‘We’re just doing everything that we can to try and make sure that everyone is aware that we’re really at the highest level of risk where we have demonstrated human infections.’
Japanese encephalitis vaccinations are available, for free for some eligible patients, with GPs reporting a rise in people asking about the vaccine.
GPs will continue to play a crucial role in vaccinating eligible people in at risk areas and through educating their patients and communities about Japanese encephalitis virus and what can be done to prevent contracting the potentially fatal condition.
Dr Ken McCroary, a New South Wales GP and RACGP Expert Committee – Quality Care member said GPs know their communities well and can prepare ahead by identifying patients who are at risk and offering them vaccines.
‘Knowing your patient load and targeting those at risk, who lives or works in farmland and other at-risk areas – I work in metro Sydney, but I still have farms all around me, I drive past cows and sheep and goats every day,’ he told newsGP.
‘Our job is prevention and will include the lifestyle things like trying to avoid mosquito exposure.
‘[Wearing] loose fitting, long, light coloured clothing, avoiding times of heightened mosquito biting, using repellents and other permethrin-based nets or sprays and creams for yourself and your family, particularly if you are living in rural areas, areas with piggeries, areas of outbreak, or you’re working with animals.’
Dr Christian McGrath, Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer, is also encouraging clinicians to be alert for people who may have symptoms of the disease.
‘Clinicians should consider the possibility of Japanese encephalitis virus infection in patients presenting with encephalitis or a compatible illness,’ he said.
‘Particularly in those who have spent time in rural or regional Victoria or have had extensive mosquito exposure or contact with pigs within the few weeks prior to symptom onset.
‘Japanese encephalitis virus infection is an urgent notifiable condition and must be notified immediately to the department if suspected or confirmed by medical practitioners and pathology services.’
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