Health and Medical

Health alert - Mosquito born diseases.

Some areas in regional northern Victoria are experiencing a longer mosquito season this year due to recent flooding. While the overall risk is currently low, some mosquitoes may be carrying diseases that make people sick.  

The best protection against mosquito-borne illness is to avoid mosquito bites. The free Japanese encephalitis vaccine is also available for more Victorians. 

Free Japanese encephalitis vaccines  

Japanese encephalitis virus is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. It can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain. 

The free Japanese encephalitis vaccine is available for: 

• people aged 2 months or older who live or work in eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria  
• until Friday 31 July 2026, people who plan to visit high-risk areas in Victoria or interstate for outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, caravaning or boating.  

For more information: 

• refer to the Department of Health’s Japanese encephalitis webpage for a list of high-risk areas 
• speak to your GP or immunisation provider to check if your family is eligible for a free vaccine ahead of any planned travel during the coming months. 

How to help prevent mosquito bites 

To help protect against mosquito bites, families can:  

• cover up as much as possible with long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing   
• apply insect repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on exposed skin when outdoors  
• limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are active 
• clean up and remove containers and items around the home that may hold water where mosquitoes may breed.

Families with any health concerns should see their doctor or phone Nurse-on-Call: 1300 606 024 (available 24 hours). 

Find out more 

For more information on protecting against mosquito-borne diseases, families can refer to the following Better Health Channel pages: 

• Mosquitoes can carry diseases 
• Protect yourself from mosquito-borne disease, including a handy checklist to help reduce mosquito breeding sites at home and resources translated into other languages 
• Japanese encephalitis.