Residents and holidaymakers in northern Victoria are advised to be vigilant against mosquitoes after recent detections of the Japanese encephalitis virus in Moira Shire.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Tarun Weeramanthri, confirmed the virus is circulating in the area. “Japanese encephalitis virus can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain and is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes,” he said.
To prevent bites, cover up, use repellent, and limit outdoor exposure during peak mosquito activity. There’s no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis, and care focuses on managing symptoms, which may require hospital admission.
