Two cases of Japanese encephalitis (JE), one current and one historical, have been identified in the Territory by NT Health.

The current case is a child from a remote community in the Top End region who was infected in June this year and has already recovered, and a historical case is a Victorian man in his 70s who became infected while visiting the Top End in May 2021 and has since recovered.

Currently, the NT has recorded three cases of JE in humans. The first confirmed case recorded in February last year involved a woman who died after contracting the virus in the Tiwi Islands.

JE, a potentially fatal disease, is spread by mosquitoes infecting animals and humans. The virus, however, cannot be spread from person to person.

Territorians are advised by NT Health to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitos to prevent infection.

This year, 52 feral pigs infected by JE have been detected in the Victoria Daly, Litchfield, Marrakai-Douglas Daly, Cox-Daly and West Arnhem areas, as well as the Tiwi Islands.

Steps to lessen the risk of mosquito bites include:

• Wearing loose light-coloured protective clothing (long sleeves, trousers, socks) and enclosed shoes;
• Applying insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or extract of lemon eucalyptus (PMD) on exposed skin before going outside; and
• Avoid outdoor exposure around dawn and dusk and at night near areas of dense vegetation or areas of high mosquito activity.

Symptoms include headaches, fever, seizures, joint stiffness and drowsiness. The virus can also cause severe neurological illness, convulsions and unconsciousness. Territorians experiencing these symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

There is no exact treatment for JE. A vaccine, however, is available for the highest risk individuals who work directly with feral pigs or mosquitoes such as rangers, entomologists, environmental officers, indicated veterinarians and lab workers.

No domestic pigs in the NT have tested positive for JE to date.

Animal owners and hunters should report suspicious or unusual signs in animals to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch hotline on 1800 675 888.

More information and how to be protected against JE is available here.