SYDNEY, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Health authorities in the eastern Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) on Thursday issued a warning to residents over potentially deadly mosquito-borne viruses.
The NSW Department of Health said in a statement that two mosquito-borne viruses that can cause brain swelling have been detected earlier than expected in the 2025-2026 summer season.
It said that the first detection of Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus was recorded in mosquitoes in the neighboring state of Victoria late in November, and that Kunjin virus was detected in a blood sample taken from a chicken in western NSW on Nov. 20.
A severe infection with either JE or Kunjin virus can cause lifelong neurological complications and death.
NSW's Director of Health Protection Stephen Conaty said the detections of both viruses so early in the season are concerning.
"Mosquito numbers will likely increase with warmer weather, and we remind everyone in NSW to protect themselves against mosquito bites," he said.
There are 60 local government areas in NSW where people are considered to be at higher risk of JE, with residents and visitors advised to take particular care against mosquito bites.
The JE vaccine is free for anyone who lives, or routinely works, in any of the 60 areas.
In February and March this year, NSW Health reported the deaths of two men aged in their 70s from JE infections, marking the state's first fatalities from the virus since 2022. ■
