Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has recently been detected in humans, pigs, and mosquitoes in Victoria. This is the first time JEV has been detected in Victoria and other parts of South-eastern Australia.

JEV is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. JEV can cause Japanese encephalitis (JE), a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain. Most people who get infected with JEV only have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Therefore, you may have been infected and recovered from JEV without knowing it.

More information about JEV is available via the Department of Health.