Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus. It can be spread to humans through mosquito bites.
JE virus was detected in Victoria for the first time in February 2022. JE virus was initially detected in pigs, and locally acquired human cases of JE, and virus detections in mosquitoes were subsequentlyidentified.
A comprehensive response across human and animal health sectors has been implemented following the first detections of the virus in Victoria and is ongoing.
The JE vaccine is available for specific groups at higher risk of exposure to the virus.
Effective from Friday, 1 November 2024 the Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccination program has been be expanded to include four additional local government areas (LGAs):
JE consent form - JE vaccination consent form
JE vaccine information for immunisation providers- JE vaccine immunisation providers
JE vaccine eligibility checklist for the public - JE vaccine checklist
Bendigo Health mosquitoes information: Bendigo Health - Mosquitoes
See the link for further information Department of Health Japanese encephalitis virus website