A Victorian father has been struck down by the deadly Japanese encephalitis virus in what is considered one of the first cases in Australia since 2022.
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The first inkling there was a problem for Stephen Bond, 60, was when he began experiencing headaches and fevers in early December while at work in Finley, NSW.
Mr Bond deteriorated rapidly and has since then been in a coma in the ICU at St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne for almost a month.
Japanese encephalitis is a flavivirus related to dengue and yellow fever transmitted by mosquitoes.
Most people do not become sick but symptoms can include a fever, vomiting and headaches.
In more severe cases patients can experience seizures, paralysis, permanent disability or even death.
Mr Bond's brother, John, wrote on a GoFundMe fundraiser that his "beautiful, kind, loving, funny and much loved " brother was now "fighting for his life".
"It's unimaginable to think how a bloody mosquito can do this to a beautiful country boy with a heart of gold and put his family through their darkest days," John wrote.
"Doctors have advised Cilla (his wife) and family that should Steve be able to continue his fight and his brain start to recover, the recovery will take months in ICU and years of rehabilitation. His future capacity to live is unknown."
The Victorian Health Department advised on December 31 that Japanese encephalitis had been detected through "environmental surveillance in northern Victoria along the Murray River, and in mosquitoes and feral pigs in New South Wales this summer".
NSW Health's executive director of Health Protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said mosquitoes thrive in warm conditions, increasing the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as Japanese encephalitis.
"...the risk for mosquito-borne virus transmission is widespread, particularly in the 55 NSW local government areas that are at higher risk of JE in the inland regions," he said.
Japanese encephalitis vaccine is available through local general practitioners, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists.
NSW Health advises people to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil.
Other advice includes wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks.
Avoiding going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially at dawn and dusk is also helpful.
Carla Mascarenhas
Carla Mascarenhas is a journalist with Explore Travel and The Senior. She specialises in deep issues affecting Gen X and beyond, and the latest in travel news. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au
