Make sure you're covered against Mosquito-borne disease - Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)

Japanese encephalitis is a rare mosquito-borne disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). JEV is a serious illness, spread through bites from mosquitos, which become infected through biting infected pigs and water birds.

The risk of a mosquito bite is higher in the warm, wet weather. However, it’s important to be vigilant and protect yourself against mosquito bites wherever you are.

You can reduce your risk of being bitten by a mosquito by following these simple steps:

Apply effective insect repellent on exposed skin, 

Wear long loose-fitting clothes that covers exposed skin,

Cover all windows, doors, vents and entrances with insect screens and

Remove empty containers which hold stagnant water where mosquitos may breed.

The Department of Health and Aged Care has developed translated resources to assist families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The resources explain what JEV is, symptoms and ways to protect yourself.
 
For more information visit  health.gov.au/jev-translated-information and share the link with your communities.