Kerrie O'Sullivan says she had scarcely thought about Ross River virus before the disease changed her life.
Ms O'Sullivan, 49, was in the middle of moving to Mildura in Victoria's north-west when she began to feel "exhausted and totally run down".
She presumed the symptoms were related to recent heart surgery but was shocked to find the real cause was Ross River virus — a viral infection spread by mosquitoes.
"The doctor said I tested positive and I was sort of like 'OK, but what is it?'" Ms O'Sullivan said.
"I had heard about it before but hadn't really taken much notice."
Now, more than 12 months later, Ms O'Sullivan is still taking nerve-blocking medication for constant muscle and joint pain and uses a walking frame.
"I'm only just getting back on my feet now and it's been a year.
"It's taken a huge toll on my body."
Cases detected in western Victoria
Warnings for Ross River virus are in place in parts of western and central Victoria.
Four cases of the virus have been detected so far this year — two in Swan Hill and one in each in Mildura and Horsham.
A health warning was issued for western Victoria last week after a December alert for Central Victoria.
Deputy Chief Health Officer (Environment) at Victoria's Department of Health, Angie Bone, said the virus could lead to fever-like symptoms, joint pains, severe fatigue, and a rash.
Dr Bone said it usually took three to nine days for symptoms to arise after a bite.
"Unfortunately, there is no cure.
"Most people do recover … but it takes at least three to six months and it can be really debilitating, particularly because of those joint pains and that lethargy.
"Relapses can also happen."
Avoid getting bitten
Dr Bone said the only way to avoid the virus was to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.
She encouraged people to wear long, loose-fitting clothing, and use insect repellent containing diethyltoluamide — commonly known as DEETS — or picaridin.
Mildura Rural City Council is also encouraging residents to remove stagnant water around their homes, eliminating mosquito breeding sources to help stem the spread of the virus.
Ms O'Sullivan said after her experience she would certainly encourage people to take every precaution they could.
"I'm quite scared of mosquitoes now," she said.
"I don't think there's enough awareness out there about how serious [the virus] can be.
"I've met people now who say it's the hardest thing they've had to go through in their life. It's not to be taken lightly."
