As school holidays approach and people are likely to spend more time outdoors, Queenslanders are reminded to take precautions against mosquito bites.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said it’s common to see mosquito numbers increase after wet and warm weather, and this rise in numbers raises the risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Ross River virus and Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV).
To date, three cases of JEV have been reported in Queensland, with two tragically resulting in death—the state’s first recorded fatalities from the virus since 2022.
JEV is a rare, but potentially serious illness spread by infected mosquitoes. While not everyone infected by JEV will get sick, it can cause serious illness in some people, including inflammation of the brain.
Additionally, a total of 223 Ross River virus cases have been recorded this year.
Dr Carroll said Queensland Health has been working closely with local governments and other stakeholders to conduct mosquito surveillance activities this mosquito season, with testing ramped up in light of recent JEV human cases and positive mosquito samples.
“Collecting mosquito samples and testing them for viruses is used to assess mosquito borne disease risk to humans,” Dr Carroll said.
“Since 1 July 2024, more than 1500 mosquito traps have been tested across the state to assess the risk of JEV. This includes nearly 300 traps in the past fortnight.
“JEV has been detected this year in mosquito samples in Goondiwindi, Inglewood, Monto and Hemmant to date.
“However, JEV has not been detected in mosquitos since early March 2025 when it was detected in Hemmant.”
Dr Carroll said making the JEV vaccine free for at risk communities is part of Queensland Health’s efforts against the virus.
“We are continuing to expand eligibility for free JEV vaccination to communities determined at greatest risk of JEV whether this be due to JEV detections in mosquitoes or pigs,” Dr Carroll said.
The Department of Primary Industries works with Queensland Health regarding detections in pigs to help inform human vaccine eligibility.
Pigs can serve as amplifying hosts for JEV, with mosquitoes becoming infected after biting infected pigs or wading birds.
Dr Carroll stressed the importance of taking measures to avoid mosquito bites.
“It's important to remember that not all mosquito-borne diseases have vaccines. The most important message I have for Queenslanders is not to be complacent and to protect yourself against mosquito bites,” Dr Carroll said.
“Any mosquito could carry a mosquito borne disease, but if you don’t get bitten, you can’t get infected.
“As school holidays approach, I know a lot of people will be planning camping trips – all campers should be especially vigilant against mosquito bites given you will be likely spending a lot of time outdoors, including at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active,” she said.
Simple steps to prevent mosquito bites include:
- applying effective insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus to exposed skin and reapplying as directed by the manufacturer
- wearing loose, light-coloured clothing to cover up arms, legs and feet
- using insecticide sprays, insecticide-based vapour dispensing units and, mosquito coils, if outdoors in a well-ventilated area
- ensuring proper screening in tents or sleep under a mosquito net when camping to prevent mosquitoes entering.
Background information:
For more information about JEV and a full list of those eligible for the vaccine, please visit the Queensland Health website.
A full list of JEV vaccine service providers is also available on the Queensland Health website.
ENDS
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