Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

What is Japanese encephalitis and what risk does it pose in Australia?

Bite by an Aedes mosquito.

Bite by an Aedes mosquito. Source: Getty

A rare outbreak of Japanese encephalitis [[en-KEFF-uh-lie-tiss]] virus has so far spread to humans in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Although the virus is endemic in Papua New Guinea and parts of the Torres Strait, it is extremely rare to see it in mainland Australia.


Published

By Steve Trask

Presented by Vahe Kateb

Source: SBS



Share this with family and friends


A rare outbreak of Japanese encephalitis [[en-KEFF-uh-lie-tiss]] virus has so far spread to humans in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Although the virus is endemic in Papua New Guinea and parts of the Torres Strait, it is extremely rare to see it in mainland Australia.



Latest podcast episodes

Follow SBS Armenian

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS Armenian News

Watch it onDemand

Stream now