Japanese encephalitis virus in Cape York

Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan speaks with Dr Allison Hempenstall, from the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, about Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).

Health authorities are encouraging all Cape York residents involved in pig-hunting to take advantage of the free vaccination program for Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).

JEV was transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito that had bitten an infectious animal, usually pigs or water birds. She said there was heightened awareness of JEV on Cape York following the detection of the virus in some feral pigs in an area north of the Skardon River in June, and a further detection in pigs in the Mapoon area in September. No human cases have occurred.

Around 99 per cent of people infected with JEV had no symptoms or mild symptoms. Those who develop symptoms may experience a fever and headache, abdominal pain and vomiting in children. After a person is bitten by an infected mosquito, it usually takes five to 15 days for the first symptoms to appear.

JEV does not spread directly between people and there is no risk of JEV from consuming pork or pork products.