Mrs Cook first contracted the disease in Tanilba Bay in January 1998 when she was bitten by a mosquito, and every November as the warmer weather approaches she feels the after effects of the virus.

When first affected, Mrs Cook was unable to drive a car for three months because of stiffness – the virus causes poly arthritis – and it took 12 months for her to recover.

But symptoms, such as a rash, swelling of the hands and feet, headaches, aching muscles and fatigue, still affect Mrs Cook periodically.

Mrs Cook, who experienced her first rash of the year during yesterday’s heatwave, said being bitten by an infected mosquito could be a curse for life.

“One bite from a mosquito carrying the virus can dramatically change a person’s life,” she said.

“The virus will remain in my blood stream forever, meaning I can never donate blood.

“However, not everyone is affected in the same way.

“It’s been more than 10 years since I came in contact with the virus, which was mosquito-born.

“As a result of this, I periodically have reoccurring bouts of the post-viral symptoms.

“The change of season tends to herald the condition.”

Mrs Cook said in order to avoid being bitten, people should use insect repellent and stay away from king tides, a favourite haunt of mosquitos.

“People should also be careful when they’re outdoors this summer, especially around dusk,” she said.