Queensland has recorded its first probable death from Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) since 2022, and it has happened in Mackay.
The Mackay Public Health Unit has confirmed that a Bowen man had been receiving care at Mackay Base Hospital and has since died.
A health service spokesperson said it was difficult to determine where the man contracted the virus as he travelled extensively for work.
The chances of further cases are low and most people who are infected with JEV have a mild illness without encephalitis.
However, health authorities are advising people to take precautions to reduce exposure to mosquitos.
Locals are advised to use repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, to wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and shoes, and to use mosquito coils (outdoors) and insect vaporisers.
The first locally-acquired case of JEV in Queensland was recorded in January, with the person likely to have been infected in the Darling Downs region.
Surveillance programs have also detected the virus in a mosquito sample in Brisbane earlier this month.
