16th March, Sydney – The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) has seen a jump in laboratories seeking accreditation to conduct testing for Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) following a dramatic rise of reported cases in the community that has prompted public health warnings.
The Japanese Encephalitis Virus is spread by mosquitoes and can infect humans and animals. Most people who contract JEV will have no or very mild symptoms and fully recover, however in a small percentage of cases (less than 1%) the virus can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) which may lead to death or permanent disability.
A number of deaths have already been associated to JEV and the Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt last week announced a $69 million funding to combat it.
“With Japanese Encephalitis Virus spreading across the eastern states we are seeing an increase in enquiries from laboratories looking to be accredited for the test,” NATA Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Evans said.
“NATA provides accreditation for both serology (blood) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing of Japanese Encephalitis, with accreditation ensuring consumers can be confident that the test they are taking is being done competently.
“NATA will prioritise accreditation of laboratories looking to have the test accredited in the interests of public safety.”
NATA’s accreditation services serve the best interests of Australians providing testing, calibration and technical standards’ competency that touch our daily lives. This ranges from the food we eat and drink, the products we use to build our homes and our roads to mining, construction, health pathology services, international trade and much more.
NATA is the world’s oldest accreditation body and a not-for-profit organisation which for more than 75 years has been working behind the scenes “testing the testers” and helping deliver confidence and assurance for domestic and international products and services.
NATA has already accredited the following laboratories for testing of JEV.
Human Pathology Laboratories accredited by NATA to conduct serology testing for Japanese Encephalitis:
NSW Health Pathology
PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA
Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory
Human Pathology Laboratories accredited by NATA to conduct PCR testing for Japanese Encephalitis:
Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory
Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services
Animal Health Laboratories accredited by NATA to conduct PCR testing for Japanese Encephalitis:
AN 13546 CSIRO – Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP)
AN 13626 Department of Industry Tourism and Trade
14796 Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department, Veterinary Laboratory Division