Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It is spread through mosquito bites and is more common in areas of increased mosquito activity.

Infection in humans is most commonly asymptomatic, but on rare occasions it can result in severe disease and even death.  

It cannot be transmitted from human to human, or by eating meat from an infected animal.

Illness usually begins with symptoms such as:

• sudden onset of fever
• headache
• vomiting.

The Department of Health provides further information https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/japanese-encephalitis