Penguin Resort resident Helen Baptist has described contracting Ross River fever as the worst thing that she has experienced in her life.

Like Adam (see separate story) she awoke one day in excruciating pain; but went undiagnosed for three months until a friend urged her to request the test, as the virus is currently prevalent on Phillip Island.

Also like Adam, she has a message for the community, and in particular, for any elderly person who may have become  unwell, with the onset of severe joint pain and other aches,  not to put their symptoms down to the ageing process, but to request a Ross River virus test.

“As a person who has contracted it, I want other people to know to cover up outdoors, and to ask for a test if you have any of those symptoms, because a test was not offered to me.”

“The bottom line is that I have never been so ill in my life. 

“I was in so much pain and could not sleep because of it. My blood pressure was measured at 200 over 100. I am normally a very healthy person, but this was stroke level. I could not use my wrists and hands or straighten my legs. I could not function.

“I now worried about that others on the island may be going through the same thing as me, undiagnosed . . . all from a mosquito bite.”

Helen knows exactly when she was bitten by the mosquito.

She was sitting on her Penguin Resort deck, which overlooks the Cowes Golf course.

She felt the bite, which caused her foot to swell, and she took a photo of it.

Date was November 11.

Within a few days, she woke up unable to move. She could not even turn her head. She suffered a fever, chills, excruciating joint pain, stiffness, was unable to use her hands . . . and simply could not function.

“The pain was everywhere. I could not move.”

It was shock for a person who enjoys excellent health and takes no medication.

After a month barely able to get out of bed, she went to the Cowes Medical Clinic.

Her blood pressure was recorded at 200 over 100, which the doctor said put her at risk of a stroke.

She was immediately prescribed a high dose of steroids and anti inflammatories, and a blood test was taken.

(Results showed seven times normal markers for inflammation.)

Within five hours of taking the prescribed medication, her symptoms had eased. 

She was suddenly able to function.

The high dosage of her medication was lowered when Helen returned to the surgery after a week.

While the pain had eased, there was no diagnosis, and it was suggested she might have to see a rheumatologist.

She continued through January taking the tablets  “which allowed me to function”.

If she forgot a dose at any point, however, the symptoms came straight back.

She  went back to the surgery in February, seeking  diagnosis of the cause of the pain.

“A friend suggested to me that while there I should ask for a Ross River virus test, as my symptoms were similar and it was prevalent on Phillip Island.

“Up until that point, I had not even thought of that.

“The doctor wanted to refer me to a rheumatologist. I took my friend’s advice instead, and requested a Ross River test.

It came back positive. 

Helen was thrilled. She finally knew what she had. The diagnosis offered peace of mind and the knowledge that it would eventually go away.

“I now worry about others who may be going through the same thing as me, undiagnosed.

Her message is simple. 

If so, get tested!