Australia's East Coast Confirms Additional Japanese Encephalitis Virus Detections

Since Queensland recorded a locally acquired human case of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in January 2025, residents have been urged to avoid being bitten by infected mosquitoes, which are being found along Australia's east coast.

This JE case, the first since 2022, may have infected the Darling Downs region, near Goondiwindi and Wide Bay regions, and animal populations in other jurisdictions.

On March 15, 2025, local health authorities confirmed the first Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) detection in Hemmant, an eastern riverside suburb of Brisbane.

Brisbane is the capital and largest city of the state of Queensland, with a population of over 2.7 million.

According to a press release, Chief Health Officer Dr. Heidi Carroll said this latest detection meant JEV posed an increased risk of infection in humans across several regions in Queensland."

"This latest detection is the first for Brisbane and tells us that more mosquito populations are likely carrying the virus."

"While most people infected with JEV experience only mild or no symptoms, those who develop more serious symptoms may experience fever, headache, abdominal pain, or vomiting, typically within five to 15 days of being bitten."

"Tragically, in some cases, it can cause severe neurological illness and even death."

Furthermore, this year, JEV detections have been confirmed in New South Wales (NSW).

On March 14, 2025, the fourth JE-related fatality was reported since the virus was first detected in NSW in 2022.

In 2022, the U.S. CDC updated a Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions Advisory regarding the JE outbreak in eastern and southeastern Australia to alert international visitors to this health risk.

The CDC recommends JE vaccination for at-risk travelers before visiting outbreak areas.

The JEV vaccine is available at over 100 vaccination providers across Queensland. It is free for eligible Queenslanders. Since 2022, more than 18,000 Queenslanders have been vaccinated against JEV.