The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) is working with health authorities across Australia to understand more about the extent and mechanisms of transmission of the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV), through the introduction of a national human JEV Serosurveillance Program to be targeted to specific regional areas.
In South Australia, the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network’s Riverland Academy of Clinical Excellence (RACE) Public Health Unit is coordinating our state's regional serosurvey for NCIRS.
How can your clinic help?
RACE is calling on GPs with clinics in the Riverland Mallee Coorong region to help to support and create awareness of this serosurvey among their patients, and encourage patient participation.
A simple blood test is all that is required from your patients, for them to take part. If your patients are having a blood test for other reasons, please encourage them to allow a small amount of extra blood to be taken at the same time for this serosurvey.
For further information please contact the RMCLHN Principal Investigator for more information including printed JEV Serosurvey Posters for clinic display, Participant Information Sheets and consent forms. E: carmen.hayward@sa.gov.au; M: 0439 090 123.
About the Serosurvey
This serosurvey of blood samples collected from the population will determine how many people have already been exposed to this virus and measure immunity due to past infection or vaccination. The serosurvey will identify how long ago the virus was introduced and how far and fast the virus may have spread. It may help to inform which communities should be provided with early access to future vaccination programs.
About the Collection Points
Blood samples from the population in the Riverland Mallee Coorong region are currently being collected by SA Pathology at their sites in Murray Bridge, Tailem Bend, Mannum, Berri, Loxton, Barmera, Waikerie and Renmark.
