Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) Serosurvey

15 December 2022

SA Pathology is proud to support the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) as they work with health authorities across Australia to understand more about the extent and mechanisms of transmission of the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) through the introduction of a national human JEV Serosurveillance Program for targeted regional areas.

In South Australia, NCIRS has asked the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network’s Riverland Academy of Clinical Excellence (RACE) Public Health Unit, to coordinate our state’s response.

Japanese Encephalitis is a rare but serious disease caused by JEV, which can be transmitted to humans through bites from mosquitoes carrying JEV. Anyone can catch JEV, but those who spend time in areas where JEV has been detected such as people who live and work along the River Murray are most at risk.

Serosurveillance provides estimates of antibody levels against infectious diseases and is considered the gold standard for measuring population immunity due to past infection or vaccination and determining how many local people have already been exposed to this virus.

The RACE JEV Serosurvey will provide insight into how long ago the virus was introduced and how far and fast the virus may have spread. It may help to inform which communities should be provided with early access to future vaccination programs.

Take part in the South Australian JEV Serosurvey

Everyone living in the Riverland Mallee Coorong region is being invited to participate. With blood samples now being collected by SA Pathology at our Murray Bridge, Tailem Bend, Mannum, Berri, Loxton, Barmera, Waikerie and Renmark Collection Centres.

1. Visit https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/ and enter the code: XYJJCD9J4.

2. Read the relevant patient information and complete the online consent form and questionnaire.

3. Save your unique JEV Serosurvey study ID number.

4. Attend a selected regional SA Pathology collection centre for the blood collection with your ID number.

To find out more visit the SA Health website.