Victorian man dies from Japanese encephalitis
The Victorian Health Department says a man in his 60s from the state’s north has died from Japanese encephalitis.
The department said it was investigating how the man contracted the mosquito-borne virus after an autopsy revealed it was the cause of his death on February 28.
The Japanese encephalitis virus is mosquito-borne. Credit:Dave Hunt
As of Tuesday, there have been seven confirmed cases of Japanese encephalitis in Victoria, including one death.
A spokesperson for the Health Department said its thoughts were with the man’s family and friends.
“We strongly advise people take steps to limit their exposure to mosquitoes and avoid mosquito habitats such as stagnant water,” the spokesperson said.
Japanese encephalitis can cause inflammation of the active tissues of the brain in about 1 per cent of people who become infected.
Encephalitis causes the brain to swell and can lead to headaches, stiff necks, sensitivity to light, mental confusion and seizures. It can be fatal.
Children aged under five and older people are at higher risk of developing more severe illness.
Most people who contract Japanese encephalitis have no or very mild symptoms and fully recover, but anyone who develops a sudden onset of fever, headache, vomiting, seizures or disorientation should seek urgent medical attention.
A vaccine for the virus is available, and is recommended for people who work around pigs, including transport workers or vets who visit pig farms and those who cull or hunt pigs.
People with increased exposure to mosquitos can be at higher risk of infection from the virus. Mosquito numbers are high in many parts of northern Victoria.
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