New detections at Griffith, Wagga and Albury were confirmed last last month.
NSW Health undertakes mosquito surveillance across the state from November to April each year, which provides important information about when mosquito-borne disease risk is elevated.
It also follows notification from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development of JEV detection in pigs in the region and other parts of NSW, indicating widespread risk.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District public health director Alison Nikitas said it is very important for the community to be aware of the risks and to take precautions against mosquito bites.
“Avoiding mosquito bites will protect against mosquito-borne infections such as Ross River virus, Murray Valley encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis, and Barmah Forest virus,” Ms Nikitas said.
“While there is an effective vaccine against Japanese encephalitis, there is no vaccination or specific treatment for the Ross River virus and the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, which are most active at dusk and dawn.”
Ms Nikitas said these mosquito-borne viruses are spread to humans by infected mosquitoes, not from person to person.
“For Ross River virus only a small proportion of people infected with the virus will have any symptoms, which include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, stiffness and swelling, rash on the body, arms or legs and tiredness or weakness,” Ms Nikitas said.
“Most people will make a full recovery after a few weeks. Others may have symptoms such as joint pain and tiredness for many months.”
Like Ross River virus, Japanese encephalitis (JE) is spread by mosquitoes, not from person to person or from contact with pigs or pork.
A JEV vaccine is available through local GPs, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists.
Information on eligibility for a free JEV vaccine is available on the NSW Health website.
People who meet the criteria should make an appointment ahead of time and let them know it is for the JEV vaccine.
These providers may require a few days' notice so they can order the vaccine.
There have been no confirmed human cases of JE acquired in NSW since October 2022, although cases have been reported in Victoria and Queensland this year.
For further information on Ross River virus, JEV, and ways to protect yourself against mosquitoes, go to https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mosquitoes.
