Australian holiday-makers are being urged to protect themselves from Japanese encephalitis by covering up over the long weekend.
Seventeen cases of the mosquito-borne virus, known as “JEV”, had been confirmed in Australia as of Saturday morning.
The reported cases include five infections in NSW, seven in Victoria, four in South Australia and one in Queensland.
Two of those infections have been fatal, with one death in NSW and another in Victoria.
Three of the total infections were reported on Friday, including a man in his 60s in the Goulburn region of NSW and two probable cases in Victoria.
NSW Health says the Goulburn man – the area’s first known case – was hospitalised with the virus but he is now recovering in a rehabilitation facility.
More people in NSW are being tested for the disease, with health officials expecting more cases to be confirmed.
National cabinet on Friday agreed to devise a “nationally consistent” plan to address the disease, which isn’t novel but is new to mainland Australia.
The federal government earlier that day announced a $69 million plan to combat JEV, inclxjmtzywuding a $5m public awareness campaign and the acquisition of 130,000 additional vaccine doses.
The additional vaccines will be prioritised for people with direct exposure or proximity to pigs and mosquitoes and those with high-level occupational exposure in the risk areas.
The government will allocate $17.5m to expand its mosquito surveillance and control activities in affected areas.
Announcing the package, Health Minister Greg Hunt said people concerned about the virus should follow “simple steps” to prevent contact with infected mosquitoes.
“Such as using repellent containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin, wearing loose fitting clothing when outside, and ensuring that accommodation is properly fitted with mosquito nettings or screens,” he said.
Anyone who is planning to spend time outdoors this weekend is encouraged to cover-up to protect themselves as much as possible.
The virus is spread by mosquitoes and can infect humans and animals, but cannot be passed from person to person.
Most infections are asymptomatic but fewer than one per cent of cases will be severe and may cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) which may lead to death or permanent disability.
Deputy chief medical officer Sonya Bennett has declared the virus a communicable disease incident of national significance.
“We hadn’t anticipated seeing it emerge as quickly as it has across piggeries in four states, and the number of human cases we are now also seeing,” Dr Bennett said on Friday.
