Japanese Encepalitis in Northern Queensland

Updated: May 29, 1998

Australian authorities have reported two human cases of Japanese B encephalitis (JE) in the northern-most part of Queensland (Torres Strait and Cape York).

Attempts are being made to determine the extent of the presence of this virus on the mainland. The virus has been isolated from swine on Torres Strait Islands (Saibai, Badu, Moa and Mabuiag), Stephens, Darnley, Hammond and Prince of Wales Islands.

Human and animal health authorities in Queensland are currently cooperating to enhance surveillance programmes to determine the extent of the infection.

JE is a mosquito-borne viral encephalitis that occurs in eastern, southeast and middle south Asia, the far eastern USSR, and some of the Pacific islands. Mosquitos that commonly transmit JE are most heavily concentrated in rural, rice growing areas and feed most actively in the late afternoon and early evening. Wild and domesticated animals such as pigs and birds are the principal host for the JE virus.

Health Canada recommends that all Canadians travelling to this area of Australia use the following personal insect protection measures during the late afternoon and early evening:

Use insect repellants containing at least 20% DEET on exposed skin, wear light coloured clothing, wear long sleeve shirts and long pants, avoid using perfumes and perfumed toiletries.

For Canadians travelling to this area for one month or more, Health Canada recommends that in consultation with a travel medicine specialist, travellers should consider vaccination against JE until the extent of the problem is fully defined by Australian authorities.

The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is approved for use in Canada and is very efficacious in preventing encephalitis due to JE virus. However, indications for its use should be reviewed with a travel medicine specialist.