South Australians who have, or who are expecting to have their property affected by flooding will now have the opportunity to access the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) vaccine with the rise in waters seeing an increase in mosquitos and mosquito-born viruses.
The JEV outbreak has already claimed two lives since December and seven others have ended up in hospital after acquiring the disease.
With around 3,000 homes along the banks of the Murray River expected to be impacted by flood waters it is important to protect these people who will need to spend time outdoors cleaning up homes as flood waters recede.
In addition, eligible emergency services workers supporting the Riverland community during this prolonged flooding event will also be able to protect themselves by receiving the JEV vaccine.
For agencies responding to the flood crisis, vaccinations are available to those workers who will spend four weeks or more working in these zones, and be outdoors for four hours on most days during this time.
Since the targeted JEV vaccination program began in October, more than 13,400 vaccines have been delivered to participating GPs, Local Health Networks, and pharmacies, with more than 10,000 vaccines administered. A total of 26,500 vaccines have been made available by the Commonwealth and State Government.
With several other viruses carried by mosquitos that are not covered by the vaccine such as Ross River Virus, Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus and Barmah Forrest Virus it is vital that South Aussies take steps to minimise mosquito bites this Summer no matter where you live.
Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton said he was encouraged by the number of eligible South Australians that have chosen to get vaccinated against JEV.
“More than 10,000 people who live or work in eligible postcodes in the Murray River, Lakes, and Coorong communities have so far taken up the opportunity to receive the JEV vaccine,” Picton said.
Over the last few weeks, we have seen a significant increase in vaccine uptake by these communities, and we are pleased to expand the eligibility criteria to those with holiday homes in the region who have been identified at risk of flooding.
This is a potentially deadly virus, and any measures those at risk can take to protect themselves should do so.
People should reduce their exposure to mosquitoes this summer by covering up with light-coloured, long-sleeved, loose-fitting clothing, liberally applying insect repellent, eliminating water that mosquitoes breed in around your home, and ensuring the accommodation is suitably fitted with mosquito screens over doors and windows.
All landowners are also being reminded to ensure they have suitable mosquito management activities in place to further help reduce the risk of mosquito breeding and the transmission of these viruses.
These management activities may include controlling mosquitoes on your property by reducing sites where they breed such as stagnant water, using chemicals responsibly, as well as taking preventative personal and household measures to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquito.
Symptoms of JEV to be aware of include confusion, headaches, tremors, drowsiness, neck stiffness and seizures. While most people infected will not experience symptoms, a small proportion will develop encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which can be fatal or cause long-term neurological damage.
Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier encouraged South Aussies to protect themselves with an expected increase in mosquito breeding numbers.
“As South Australia enters its third consecutive La Nina weather season, this has seen us experience a very wet spring and is expected to be followed by a usual warm Summer,” Spurrier emphasised.
“We know that alongside flooding associated with rising water levels in the River Murray, this will create greater mosquito breeding habitat and conditions, which support the transmission of mosquito borne diseases.
“South Australians living in high-risk areas need to take extra precautions this year to be protected against JEV, particularly as we expect a significant increase in mosquito breeding this season.
“Anyone eligible in the Murray River, Lakes, and Coorong communities should come forward and receive a vaccine against JEV to protect themselves against the potentially devastating disease.
“We are strongly encouraging people to remain vigilant in protecting themselves against mosquito bites and to remember that a vaccination against JEV does not protect against other mosquito borne diseases.”
For more information about the JEV vaccine and eligibility visit the SA Health website.
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