NSW Health is advertising free Japanese Encephalitis vaccinations to to Lismore and Richmond Valley residents, but not Ballina.  We asked why.

Public Health Directorate Regional Director, Dr Valerie Delpech, says Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) is likely to be present across a wide part of NSW, although to date there have been no recorded cases in the Northern Rivers..

“Based on surveillance and modelling data, areas eligible for the free Japanese encephalitis vaccine have been expanded to include an additional five new Local Government Areas (LGAs), including at Uralla, Glen Innes Severn, Kyogle, Lismore, and Richmond Valley.”

While Ballina isn’t currently considered a high-risk area, the disease is serious, and NSW Health says it’s important for the community to stay informed.

People considered at higher risk include those working with pigs, transport workers and veterinarians.

The World Health Organisation says that although symptomatic JEV is rare, the fatality rate among those with encephalitis can be as high as 30 per cent.

Dr Velpech says most people who get JEV do not display symptoms, while signs may not appear until five to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

“Some people may display symptoms including fever, headache and vomiting, while people with a rare severe infection may complain of neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, coma, seizures and paralysis.”

Anyone displaying symptoms is advised to contact a doctor immediately, or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) or visit your nearest emergency department.

The best way to avoid JEV is to minimise the chance of mosquito bites by;  

· Applying repellent to exposed skin, re-applying regularly, particularly after swimming.

· Wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks.

· Avoiding going outdoors during peak mozzie 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).

· Eliminating mozzie breeding places around the home like empty pots that collect water.

· Using mosquito netting when to protect infants in baby carriers.

Here is a link to more information provided by NSW Health.