Willy W. Suen

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Abstract Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is transmitted by Culex species of mosquitoes. In 2022, JEV belonging to a previously unrecognised lineage of genotype IV (GIV) caused a major outbreak of JE in South-eastern Australia, resulting in human cases and affecting piggeries. Cx. annulirostris has previously been implicated as the major vector of JEV in northern Australia where the virus has circulated since its first detection in 1995.

1. Introduction Herpesviridae is a large family of ubiquitous viruses characterised by a 110–130 nm icosahedral capsid consisting of 162 capsomers, and a lipid bilayer envelope embedded with glycoproteins. Including the envelope, the virions can measure up to 220 nm in diameter [1]. This ultrastructure is distinctive on negative contrast and thin section electron microscopy. Members of this family are also known as herpesviruses.