Guard against Japanese Encephalitis Mosquito
2nd June 2022
by SafeWork
SafeWork NSW is alerting businesses and workers to the detection of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in NSW and is urging action to manage the risk of exposure and consider vaccination where appropriate.
JEV has been detected in several commercial piggeries in Southern, Western and New England areas of NSW, and in Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.
The virus is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes and can result in Japanese encephalitis, a rare but serious disease.
People at highest risk of infection are those who work with pigs or live close to them, unless they are vaccinated for Japanese encephalitis or have immunity from prior exposure.
People who engage in outdoor activities near significant mosquito populations, particularly near waterways in areas where JEV has been detected, are also at high risk.
Visit SafeWork NSW’s Japanese encephalitis safety alert for more information about JEV including:
• how is it spread?
• who is at risk?
• symptoms and treatment
• managing the risk of exposure
• vaccination
• avoiding mosquito bites – environmental, personal and administrative protective controls.
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