<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Japanese encephalitis has been detected in Australia for the first time in the 2025-2026 season.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The virus was found in a mosquito trap in the Horsham region in rural </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/victoria" rel="" target="_blank" title="Victoria"><span>Victoria</span></a><span>.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Health authorities are working with the local council to treat mosquito breeding sites in the area and reduce the risk to the community.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/zone-rv-caravan-company-enters-administration/5df3f233-9c01-46db-af56-b7dd0f29d42b" target="_blank"><strong><span>Hundreds of jobs on the line as caravan maker collapses</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Japanese encephalitis is a rare but potentially serious disease caused by a virus transmitted through mosquito bites.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Most people infected have no symptoms or only mild illness, but about one in 250 cases, it can cause encephalitis, a severe brain infection which can be fatal.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Mosquito-borne diseases like Japanese encephalitis can have serious health impacts, but they are preventable," Victoria's Chief Health Officer Dr Caroline McElnay said.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/japanese-encephalitis-detected-horsham-victoria/4cfcd9fc-f3ef-49dd-b9be-c8a72815ba63" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/donald-trump-willing-to-release-mri-results-but-no-idea-which-part-of-body-it-examined/480a3a41-765b-47bc-87e6-7937ab789537" target="_blank"><strong><span>Trump gives green light to release MRI results</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"A free Japanese encephalitis vaccine is available for eligible people due to their increased risk of exposure."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Eligible people include those in at-risk areas, including those ineligible for Medicare.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Simple actions like wearing repellent, covering up, and limiting outdoor activities at dawn and dusk can help reduce your risk," McElnay said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/australias-happiest-workers-revealed-new-seek-survey/127606a2-1f40-4921-8cad-5cd317bd876b" target="_blank"><strong><span>Australia's happiest generation of workers revealed</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Anyone can be bitten by mosquitoes, but people living, working or spending time outdoors in northern Victoria – especially near rivers – may be at higher risk."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It's also recommended to remove or clear out stagnant water sources around the home.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>People are encouraged to speak with their GP, local council, Aboriginal health service, or community pharmacy for more information about JE vaccination.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Additional information for Victorians can be found online at the </span><a href="https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/japanese-encephalitis" rel="" target="_blank" title="Department of Health"><span>Department of Health</span></a><span> and the </span><a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/japanese-encephalitis" rel="" target="_blank" title="Better Health Channel"><span>Better Health Channel</span></a><span> websites.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div 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