NSW records first death from Japanese encephalitis
New South Wales has recorded its first death of a person with Japanese encephalitis (JE), prompting authorities to warn people against mosquito bites.
NSW Health confirmed the death was a man in his 70s from Griffith.
He died in hospital on February 13 and post-mortem testing today revealed it was the JE virus.
EXPLAINED: What is Japanese encephalitis virus and how do you avoid it?
Japanese encephalitis is spread by mosquitoes and has no known treatment. 9News
There are now three known cases of JE in NSW residents, including a man and child who are currently being cared for in Victorian hospitals.
The man's death comes after another man in his 60s was confirmed to have died from the virus in Victoria.
The national death toll now stands at two.
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Victoria Deputy Chief Health Officer Associate Professor Deborah Friedman has called for Victorians to protect themselves against mosquitoes Nine
More cases are expected to be confirmed over the coming days and weeks.
The virus is spread by mosquitoes.
There is no specific treatment and it can cause severe neurological illness with headaches, convulsions and reduced consciousness in some cases.
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