A potentially deadly virus has sparked a cross-border warning amid fears mosquito-borne illnesses will threaten a rain-hit state.
A public plea has been issued in Queensland after a wet week created ideal mosquito breeding conditions, increasing the risk of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) spreading from NSW.
Queenslanders have been urged to be extra vigilant to avoid mosquito bites after the virus was detected near the border just days after it was identified in feral pigs in NSW's central west.
More than 50 NSW local government areas were last week identified as a "higher risk" of the virus, with JEV also detected in routine mosquito surveillance in the northwest Riverina region.
"Disease caused by this virus occurs most commonly in pigs and horses but can be transmitted to humans from mosquito bites," Queensland Chief Health Officer Heidi Carroll said.
Most people with the disease do not become sick but symptoms can include a fever, vomiting and headaches.
In more severe cases patients can experience seizures, paralysis, permanent disability or even death.
Queensland officials are on high alert in the countdown to Christmas.
"We’ve been notified by NSW health authorities that surveillance programs have identified JEV activity among feral pig populations and mosquitoes across the state, with some activity detected near the Queensland border," Dr Carroll said.
"This means there is likely an increased risk of JEV in Queensland."
The virus had previously been detected in Queensland's far north, Darling Downs, southwest and Wide Bay regions, prompting officials to ask those regions to be vigilant.
There have been no human JEV cases in Queensland since May 2022.
Officials have recommended people get a JEV vaccination which is free for those in high-risk regional areas.
Queenslanders have also been warned of the risk of Ross River virus after days of showers and storms that cut off roads and power across the state.
"Typically, we see cases start increasing with the onset of rain and warm temperatures in December before they peak in February and March,” Dr Carroll said.
There is no vaccine available for the virus which can cause fever, a rash and swollen, painful joints.
Most people recover in a few weeks but for some symptoms persist for months.
Dr Carroll warned mosquito bites could be experienced at any time of day, but some species were most active at dusk and dawn.
The warning came as wet weather finally cleared for the majority of Queensland on Tuesday.
Weekly rainfall totals of 50mm to 100mm were recorded across northern and eastern Queensland, with more than 100mm in the state's southeast and northern central region.
The highest weekly total was 581mm at north Queensland's Proserpine Airport.
