NATIONAL health officials have moved to issue a timely reminder about the threat infected mosquitos could pose to Queensland communities in the wake of confirmed cases of Japanese encephalitis.

Queenslanders, including those living in Douglas are being encouraged to cover up when outdoors to avoid being bitten by mosquitos after confirmation the virus has been detected in 14 piggeries across NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.

A Queenslander in her 60s remains in a critical condition in a Brisbane hospital after recently contracting the virus in a Goondiwindi piggery while an NSW resident who also acquired the virus in a separate case is in a stable condition.

“While the virus is unlikely to reach Far North destinations such as Port Douglas to pose a genuinely serious threat residents can still be vigilant and practice safe behaviours around local waterways,” a Queensland Health representative told Newsport.

“Those measures include wearing full length, bright clothing and using repellent when in mosquito habitat.”

Mosquitos usually acquire the virus from infected pigs and then pass the virus on to humans through a normal bite. The virus cannot be passed from person to person.

The recent outbreak of cases has led health officials to label the situation a communicable incident of national significance.

Health officials said Japanese encephalitis can cause lessened consciousness, convulsions, headaches and neurological sickness, however in most cases humans usually only feel mild symptoms such as a fever.