Victoria records first Japanese encephalitis death

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.

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.

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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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