Japanese Encephalitis and Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Australia: A Summer Camping Guide

home arrow_right Blog arrow_right Japanese Encephalitis and Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Australia: A Summer Camping Guide

Disease, Travel health tips, Vaccine

Summer is camping, caravanning and fishing season for many Australians. It is also peak mosquito season. Japanese encephalitis (JE) has been an ongoing concern in parts of eastern and southern Australia since an outbreak in 2021 and 2022, and Ross River virus remains the most common mosquito-borne disease in the country.

This guide explains the mosquito-borne diseases to know about on holidays in Australia, who can get the Japanese encephalitis vaccine (and who may be eligible for it free), and how to avoid bites at the campsite.

Key points

Ross River virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Australia. There is no vaccine, so avoiding bites is the only protection.
Japanese encephalitis virus has been detected in mosquitoes and animals in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia since 2024, and human cases have been linked to camping and caravanning.
A JE vaccine is available, and several states offer it free to eligible people in higher-risk areas.
Most people infected with JE have no symptoms, but fewer than 1 in 100 develop encephalitis, which can be severe or fatal.
Use repellent containing DEET or picaridin, cover up, and choose screened accommodation or tents, especially around dawn and dusk near rivers and wetlands.

Heading bush or camping this summer? Ask a TMA doctor about the Japanese encephalitis vaccine.

Find My Nearest Clinic

Which mosquito-borne diseases occur in Australia?

Ross River virus

Healthdirect describes Ross River virus as the most common mosquito-borne disease in Australia. It is more common in tropical Queensland and the Northern Territory, but occurs in other states too, and risk rises in warm, wet weather and after heavy rain and high tides.

Symptoms can appear 3 to 21 days after a bite and often start with painful joints, especially wrists, ankles and knees, along with muscle pain, fever, chills, headache, rash and tiredness. Symptoms usually last 7 to 9 days, but some people have joint pain for 3 to 6 months, and a small number feel unwell for up to a year. There is no vaccine and no specific antiviral treatment.

Barmah Forest virus

Barmah Forest virus is spread by mosquitoes and is found only in Australia. There is no vaccine.

Murray Valley encephalitis

Murray Valley encephalitis is a rare but potentially serious mosquito-borne illness that can cause inflammation of the brain. There is no vaccine.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne virus long found across Asia and the Pacific. It caused an outbreak in mainland Australia in 2021 and 2022, and the Australian Centre for Disease Control reports that since 2024 it has been found in mosquitoes and animals, including feral pigs, in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on infected waterbirds or pigs.

NSW Health reported in March 2026 that seven JE cases had been recorded in New South Wales in the previous two years, with six believed to be linked to mosquito bites while camping or caravanning.

Japanese encephalitis symptoms

Most people infected with JE have no symptoms, and a small proportion have a mild illness. According to the Australian Centre for Disease Control, fewer than 1 in 100 people infected develop encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain that can be severe or fatal. NSW Health notes it can cause severe neurological illness with headache, convulsions and reduced consciousness. There is no specific treatment, which is why vaccination and bite prevention are important for people at higher risk.

Who should get the Japanese encephalitis vaccine?

The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends JE vaccine for people aged 2 months and over who live or work in, or are planning travel to, a JE risk region of Australia and who may be bitten by mosquitoes. In practice, this can include people:

living or working in higher-risk local government areas
camping, caravanning, fishing, boating or hunting near rivers, lakes and wetlands in risk areas
working with pigs or in mosquito surveillance
travelling to parts of Asia, where JE is common, especially for longer stays or rural travel

Is the JE vaccine free?

For some people, yes. State and territory health departments offer free JE vaccine to eligible people in areas of higher concern, and eligibility is reviewed during each mosquito season. For example:

Victoria offers free vaccine to people aged 2 months and over who live or work in 24 high-risk local government areas in northern and regional Victoria, including Mildura, Swan Hill, Campaspe, Greater Shepparton, Greater Bendigo and Wodonga.
New South Wales offers free vaccine to people who live or work in listed high-risk areas, and in early 2026 extended this to people planning outdoor recreation such as camping, caravanning, boating and fishing in those areas during peak mosquito season.
The ACT also runs a funded JE vaccine program.

If you are not eligible for a free vaccine, you can still have it privately. Your clinic can check your eligibility. Some clinics need to order the vaccine in, so mention JE when you book.

How is the JE vaccine given?

There are two JE vaccines in Australia. Adults usually need either a single dose of Imojev or two doses of JEspect 28 days apart, according to the Australian Immunisation Handbook. Imojev is a live vaccine and is not suitable for everyone, including during pregnancy or for people with weakened immune systems. Your doctor will recommend the right option for you.

How to avoid mosquito bites when camping

Use a repellent containing DEET or picaridin on all exposed skin, and follow the label for reapplying.
Wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing and enclosed shoes, especially at dawn and dusk.
Sleep in a tent with intact insect screens, or under a mosquito net, and repair any tears.
Use mosquito coils or insecticide sprays around your campsite.
Choose campsites away from stagnant water where you can, and empty anything around your site that collects water.
Remember that children need protection too. Check repellent labels for age guidance.

Our mosquito protection tips and guide to permethrin-treated clothing have more detail.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you develop a fever, headache, joint pain or rash after mosquito bites, and tell them where you have been, including camping trips and any overseas travel. Seek urgent medical care, or call 000, for a severe headache, confusion, drowsiness, a stiff neck or seizures.

If you have recently been overseas, avoid anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen until a doctor has ruled out dengue, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Our dengue guide explains why.

Frequently asked questions

Is Japanese encephalitis in Australia?

Yes. JE virus has been detected in mosquitoes and animals in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, and human cases have been reported since the 2021 and 2022 outbreak.

Who can get the Japanese encephalitis vaccine for free?

Eligibility depends on your state or territory and where you live, work or holiday. Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT all run funded programs. Check your state health department's website or ask your clinic.

Is there a vaccine for Ross River virus?

No. Avoiding mosquito bites is the only way to lower your risk.

How far ahead of a camping trip should I get the JE vaccine?

Plan ahead, as protection takes time to develop and some vaccines need two doses 28 days apart. Talk to your doctor a few weeks before you go if you can.

Do I need the JE vaccine for Bali or Thailand?

It depends on how long you are staying and what you are doing. It is recommended for stays of a month or more in endemic areas and considered for some shorter trips. See our guides to vaccinations for Bali and vaccinations for Thailand.

Get your JE vaccine at a TMA clinic

Travel Medicine Alliance (TMA) clinics have substantial experience in travel medicine and can check your eligibility for a free Japanese encephalitis vaccine, give the vaccine, and help you plan for camping trips in Australia or travel overseas.

Book your Japanese encephalitis vaccine at a TMA clinic near you.