Mozzie season is here: Japanese encephalitis and the free vaccine
Warmer weather is here and so are the mosquitoes. Around Griffith that can mean more than itchy bites. Mosquitoes in our region can carry Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). They can also carry other viruses such as Ross River and Barmah Forest.
What is Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis is a rare but serious infection. A mosquito picks up the virus when it bites an infected animal such as a pig or a waterbird. That mosquito can then pass the virus on when it bites a person.
You can't catch it from another person. You can't get it from touching an animal or eating animal products either.
Most people who are infected have no symptoms at all. About 1 in 250 people develop a severe infection that affects the brain. Some people with severe illness are left with lasting problems and some die.
Signs to watch for
Symptoms usually start 5 to 15 days after a mosquito bite. Milder illness can bring fever, headache and vomiting.
Severe illness can cause neck stiffness, confusion, tremors, seizures or paralysis. Anyone with these signs needs urgent medical care.
Griffith is a free vaccine area
NSW Health offers a free JEV vaccine to people aged 2 months and older who live or work in a listed high-risk local government area. Griffith is on that list. So are Leeton, Carrathool, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera and Hay.
Until 31 January 2027, the free vaccine is also available to people travelling to these areas for outdoor recreation. That includes camping, boating, fishing and hunting.
NSW Health also recommends the vaccine for people anywhere in NSW who work at or live on a piggery, pork abattoir or rendering plant.
NSW Health says the vaccine is available through GPs, pharmacists and Aboriginal Medical Services. It suggests mentioning the JE vaccine when you book, as it may need to be ordered in.
Avoiding bites still matters
Vaccinated or not, the best protection is not being bitten. NSW Health suggests you:
use a repellent containing picaridin, DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus on all exposed skin
put sunscreen on first, then repellent
wear loose, light-coloured long sleeves, long pants and enclosed shoes
take extra care at dawn and dusk
empty anything holding still water around the house and yard
keep insect screens on windows and doors in good repair
Talk to your GP
If you live or work in the Griffith area and haven't had the JE vaccine, ask your GP whether it's right for you.
To make an appointment at Your Health Griffith, call 02 6962 7661 or book online through HotDoc.
Source
NSW Health, Japanese encephalitis vaccination, current as at 30 July 2026: health.nsw.gov.au
NSW Health, Japanese encephalitis fact sheet, current as at 15 December 2025: health.nsw.gov.au
