Victorian man dies from Japanese Encephalitis

An autopsy has revealed a man from Northern Victoria died from Japanese Encephalitis.

An investigation is now underway to work out how he contracted it.

Last month, authorities warned the virus had been detected at a Victorian piggery for the first time.

The Department of Health has now confirmed a man in his 60s died on February 28 with the illness.

There have now been seven confirmed cases of Japanese Encephalitis in Victorian residents.

Cases have historically only been reported in far north Australia.

Dr Ava Easton, chief executive of the Encephalitis Society, told Neil Mitchell it was cause for concern.

“What we think is happening is that infections like Japanese Encephalitis are a growing global threat due to climate change, increased industrialisation,” she said.

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