NSW Records Second Japanese Encephalitis Death of 2025

A second person has died from Japanese encephalitis (JE) in New South Wales this year, with health officials urging people to take mosquito-borne diseases seriously.

The latest victim, a man in his 70s, passed away in hospital on March 6 after contracting the virus—likely while on holiday in the Murrumbidgee region, according to NSW Health. He had been receiving treatment for JE but sadly didn’t pull through.

This follows the death of another man, also in his 70s and also believed to have been infected in the same area, who died on February 23. These two fatalities bring the state’s total JE death toll to three since the virus was first detected in NSW in 2022.

And the concern doesn’t stop there—NSW Health has identified another “probable” case in a man in his 20s. He likely picked up the virus while traveling through the Moree Plains, Tamworth, and Gunnedah shires. Fortunately, he has been discharged from hospital and is now recovering at home.

With five confirmed JE cases in NSW this season, authorities are ramping up warnings, especially as mosquito numbers surge following recent floods.

Why is JE such a big deal?

JE is a mosquito-borne virus that can infect both humans and animals. While it can’t be passed from person to person, and you won’t get it from eating pork, it can cause serious neurological issues, including headaches, convulsions, loss of consciousness, and—tragically—death.

There’s no specific cure for JE, so prevention is key.

NSW Health’s Dr. Jeremy McAnulty is urging people to take every possible precaution—especially as floodwaters create perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

“Standing water left after mass rainfall and floods makes for ideal mosquito breeding conditions,” McAnulty said. “This increases people’s risk of being bitten, especially if they’re working outdoors.”

How to protect yourself

• Get vaccinated – The JE vaccine is free for eligible people, including those living or working in certain inland areas or in high-risk jobs. You can get it through GPs, Indigenous health services, or pharmacists—just make sure to book ahead, as some places may need a few days to order the vaccine.

  
  

• Avoid mosquito bites – Use insect repellent, wear long, loose clothing, and remove standing water around your home.

With mosquito-borne viruses on the rise, now’s the time to take precautions. More info is available here.