The Australian Government has launched a new ad campaign to warn travellers and holidaymakers about mosquito-borne diseases like Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).
With recent floods and warmer weather driving increased mosquito activity this summer, the federal government is doubling down in its efforts to prevent Aussies from catching this potentially deadly disease by encouraging tourists and travellers to take simple steps to protect themselves.
The national campaign began on Sunday and will appear on digital audio, digital video, digital display, out-of-home and social media channels, including adapted and translated materials for multicultural and First Nations audiences.
“This summer we will see an increased risk for mosquito-borne viruses like JEV,” said Mark Butler, the federal Minister for Health and Aged Care.
“This campaign encourages Australians to take simple but effective actions to protect themselves and their families against JEV while travelling this summer. Prevention is the best protection.
“If you are getting out of our major cities into the great outdoors this summer, a few sprays of mosquito repellent might be all it takes to protect yourself against a potentially deadly disease like JEV.”
People travelling to at-risk areas this summer can protect themselves from mosquito-borne viruses by taking these steps:
- regularly applying effective insect repellent
- wearing loose-fitting clothes that cover exposed skin
- avoiding being outdoors when mosquitos are biting (especially at dusk and dawn)
- covering all windows, doors, vents and other entrances with insect screens in all homes, and when camping, and
- removing or emptying containers or other items such as tyres which may hold stagnant water where mosquitos may breed around homes and at campsites.
Japanese encephalitis is a rare disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), which is spread through mosquito bites if the mosquito has also bitten an infected animal. It cannot be spread between humans.
Human cases of JEV acquired in Australia have been very rare, however, in 2022 the number of cases acquired in Australia has increased, with human cases identified across Victoria, NSW, Queensland and South Australia.
Most people infected with JEV do not experience severe symptoms, but on rare occasions, it can result in serious illness and even death.
There have been 42 human cases of JEV notified in Australia since 1 January 2021, with the majority of cases reported in NSW and Victoria. Seven of those cases have resulted in death.
In March, Australia’s acting chief medical officer, Dr Sonya Bennett, declared JEV a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance and said a national approach was required to coordinate health policy, interventions and public messaging.
