Japanese encephalitis: Mosquito bite kills Australian man sparking urgent health warning

An urgent warning has been issued following the death of a NSW man after he was bitten by a mosquito carrying a deadly virus that attacks the brain.

It is the third death caused by Japanese encephalitis in the State since May 2022, when the virus was first detected.

It is believed the Sydney man aged in his 70s received the ultimately fatal bite during a holiday in the Murrumbidgee region in January.

He died in a Sydney hospital on February 23.

In a separate case, a northern NSW woman in her 60s is in hospital with Japanese encephalitis. It’s believed she acquired her infection at a rural property in the Tenterfield Shire.

Japanese encephalitis can cause severe neurological illness, including headache, convulsions and reduced consciousness. It is spread via a mosquito bite to humans and animals. It cannot be passed on from animal-to-human or human-to-human.

NSW Health has urged locals to be vigilant and take precautions.

Dr Jeremy McAnulty, Executive Director of Health Protection, said the cases were a reminder of the importance for people to take precautions against mosquitoes, including vaccination.

“These two cases of JE virus, one of which was infected while travelling for a holiday, shows it is very important all people take precautions against mosquitoes, not just those living in affected regions,” he said.

“If you plan on travelling west of the Great Dividing Range, whether for work or holiday, and you plan to spend time outdoors, JE is a risk you must consider.

“Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to avoid mosquitoes, and there is also a safe and effective vaccine available.”

The vaccine is available through local GPs, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists for people who live and work in affected areas or in high risk occupations.