Health authorities are pleading for residents and people visiting the Riverina and the Murrumbidgee areas to be vigilant against mosquito attacks.

This comes after the death of a man who likely contracted Japanese encephalitis (JE) while holidaying in the Murrumbidgee area.

The man was in his mid 70s and from Sydney.

He died February 23 after fighting the illness for weeks.

His passing is the first JE death in NSW this year, and the third since it was first detected in the state in May 2022.

Further, an additional case of JE has been identified in a woman in her sixties in northern NSW.

She was most likely infected on her property in Tenterfield Shire and is in hospital.

NSW Health is offering free JE vaccines to eligible residents in high-risk inland areas through general practitioners, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists.

People who meet the eligibility criteria should make an appointment and let the provider know it is for the JE vaccine, as they may require a few days’ notice to order the vaccine.

This is a timely reminder for people to take these precautions:

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Reapply repellent regularly, especially after swimming
• Wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and closed shoes
• Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
• Use insect screens on windows and doors
• Remove standing water around properties to prevent mosquito breeding
• Use mosquito nets when camping and ensure tents have proper fly screens.
• To reduce mosquito exposure, animal owners should eliminate standing water and maintain effluent ponds to prevent breeding.
• Any suspected cases must be reported to veterinarians or the National Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
• Pig owners should watch for reproductive issues such as abortions, stillbirths, or weak piglets.
• In horses, signs may include fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, and incoordination.

For more information on JE, vaccine eligibility, and mosquito prevention, visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/ or contact local health authorities.

Authorities warn that the latest fatality highlights the ongoing risk of JE in rural and regional areas.

The virus is spread by mosquitoes and can cause headaches, convulsions, reduced consciousness, and, in some cases, death.

JE also affects animals, particularly pigs and horses.

It cannot be caught by humans through animal contact or through consuming pork products.

The Murrumbidgee, Riverina and South West Slopes regions remain a focal point of concern due to warm weather and enduring wet conditions that have increased mosquito populations.

Health officials are monitoring mosquito numbers and working with local councils to raise public awareness.