Early Mosquito Surge Sparks Alarming Virus Warnings in NSW
Mosquito season has arrived ahead of schedule this year, and health authorities in New South Wales are sounding the alarm. It’s being reported that two serious mosquito-borne viruses have already been detected, and the timing has raised concern because these findings usually appear much later in the summer. With warmer weather settling in early, the environment has essentially rolled out the red carpet for fast-growing mosquito populations, and with them comes a higher risk of infection.
One of the major concerns is the Japanese encephalitis virus, or JEV. It’s a rare infection, but when it does develop, it can affect the central nervous system and cause severe brain complications. Sixty NSW local government areas have now been identified as higher-risk zones, stretching across northern parts of the state and regions west of the Great Dividing Range. Places like Lismore, Orange, the Upper Hunter and even Broken Hill fall into this category. The first sign of the virus this season came shortly before this—detected in mosquitoes in Victoria, only a few hours from Melbourne.
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What has added even more urgency is the appearance of another virus: Kunjin virus. It was picked up in Cowra from a routine surveillance blood sample taken from a sentinel chicken. Just like JEV, the virus is carried by mosquitoes after they bite infected animals such as pigs, waterbirds, or horses. It’s important to note that these illnesses cannot be passed from one person to another—mosquitoes are the only route of transmission.
Health authorities, including Dr Stephen Conaty from NSW Health, have said the early detections are worrying because mosquito numbers are likely to surge as temperatures climb. People are being urged to protect themselves, especially during peak mosquito activity times—usually around dusk and dawn. That means using repellents with DEET or picaridin, wearing long, loose-fitting clothing, keeping doors and windows screened, and removing stagnant water around homes.
For those living in or regularly traveling through the 60 high-risk LGAs, a free vaccine for Japanese encephalitis is available. It’s offered through GPs, pharmacists, and Aboriginal health services, though individuals may need to book early so providers can order the vaccine in time. A booster may be recommended a year or two later, depending on exposure risk.
Most people infected with JEV or Kunjin virus won’t show symptoms, but when symptoms do appear, they can range from fever and headaches to severe neurological issues. In the case of JEV, one in about 250 infected people may develop life-threatening encephalitis. Tragically, the virus has already claimed lives in NSW in recent years.
Since there’s no specific treatment for these mosquito-borne diseases—aside from supportive medical care—the best defence remains simple but essential: avoid mosquito bites whenever possible.
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