Take part in the South Australian JEV Serosurvey
Everyone living in the Riverland Mallee Coorong region is being invited to participate in a regional Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) Serosurvey being undertaken by the Riverland Academy of Clinical Excellence (RACE) Public Health Unit with the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS).
A simple blood test is all that is required to take part. If you are having a blood test for other reasons, you can also consent to allow a small amount of extra blood to be taken at the same time for this serosurvey.
A serosurvey is a survey of blood samples collected from the population to measure immunity due to past infection or vaccination. It will determine how many people have already been exposed to this virus.
The serosurvey will identify 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.
Have you been exposed?
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) 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.
How can you help?
If you live locally in the Riverland Mallee Coorong region, we encourage you to participate.
Blood collection by SA Pathology is being offered at their sites in Murray Bridge, Tailem Bend, Mannum, Berri, Loxton, Barmera, Waikerie and Renmark.
You can take part in this serosurvey medical research by:
- Scanning the QR code on the JEV Serosurvey Poster (PDF 2.2MB) or visit https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/, select your preferred language, and enter the code: XYJJCD9J4.
- Read the online Participant Information Sheet and complete the online consent form and online questionnaire.
- Save your unique JEV Serosurvey study ID number (displayed on your device screen at completion of the questionnaire and this will also be emailed to you).
- Attend a regional SA Pathology site for the blood collection, ensuring you bring along and provide your unique ID number for recording on the pathology form.
For more information please refer to the JEV Serosurvey Poster (PDF 2.2MB) and read the online Participant Information Sheet. Printed copies are available from the participating SA Pathology collection sites.