Melbourne man struck down with deadly Japanese encephalitis following trip to Bali

The Victorian Health Department has issued an urgent warning to travellers heading to South East Asia after a Melbourne man contracted a potentially deadly virus while holidaying in Bali.

The 45-year-old had travelled to rural areas of Bali and returned to Melbourne on New Year's Day.

It is the first time a case of Japanese encephalitis has been reported in Victoria, with only nine recorded cases of the mosquito-borne virus in Australian medical history.

Victorian Chief Health Officer Dr Rosemary Lester said around 20 percent of cases are fatal.

"Other people who recover can have serious health issues," she said.

There is minimal risk of the virus spreading in Australia as it needs to multiply in pigs.

Symptoms appear between five and 10 days after being infected and include headache, fever, seizures and can result in a coma.

Anyone travelling to China, Indonesia and South East Asia is urged to get vaccinated prior to leaving and use repellent.