It was only a matter of time before mosquito-borne viruses hit the Hunter and Aberglasslyn man Graham Solomons appears to be one of the region's first casualties.
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Maitland's record breaking wet January set the perfect breeding environment for mosquitoes with experts warning at the time there could be consequences.
Hunter New England Health has renewed its warning this week for Hunter residents to take care particularly if they are outdoors of an evening during March and April, months when Ross River Fever diagnoses are more prevalent.
Mr Solomons, whose home backs onto a reserve and wetlands, believes he was bitten early in February.
"I was pruning a bush late in the afternoon and I think that's when I was bitten on my wrist," he said.
"A few days later I had aches and pains, a small red dot on my wrist which was sore rather than itchy.
"Two days later I was hot and cold and had no sleep. I didn't get out of bed until about 10.30 the next morning and woke to find a rash which progressively spread and became worse," Mr Solomons said.
[I]t could take up to two years for it to leave my system.
- Graham Solomons
His body racked with pain Mr Solomons went to his doctor and was later sent for blood tests which revealed Ross River Virus.
Still on medication a month after his diagnosis, Mr Solomons' immune system is at an all time low and he is now suffering the flu.
He still gets hot and cold sweats and it is nothing unusual for him to have three changes of pyjamas each night.
He is to undergo more tests to see if the disease will have any long term effect on his health.
"The doctor said there is no cure for Ross River and it could take up to two years for it to leave my system."
Ross River virus is one of a group of viruses called arboviruses (or arthropodborne viruses) spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
