Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas has encouraged Victorians to understand the risks of mosquito-borne diseases and to take simple steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites while enjoying more time outside over the warmer summer months.
The vaccine is available to people in Moira and Indigo shires which are among the inland riverine regions at greater risk of exposure.
Most people with JEV infection have no symptoms or mild symptoms such as a fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches.
A small number, about one in every 250 people, can develop severe infection of the brain (encephalitis) or meningitis, which can be fatal.
The free JEV vaccine is available for eligible people through GPs, Aboriginal health services, and community pharmacies.
Simple and practical steps to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, include:
•wearing long, loose and light-coloured clothing
•using mosquito repellents that contain Picaridin or DEET
•spraying or rubbing repellent on children’s clothes
•limiting time spent outdoors at dawn and dusk
•removing stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed
•making sure windows are fitted with screens.
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