Bali horror as Big Brother winner’s dad is left fighting for life after being bitten by a mosquito and contracting an extremely rare and deadly virus
- Dez Ginns is believed to have contracted Japanese Encephalitis while in Bali
- The virus – from a mosquito bite – caused life-threatening swelling on his brain
- He is also suffering from meningitis and pneumonia, and is currently in a coma
- His son Ryan, winner of Big Brother 2014, shared a touching post to Instagram
- A GoFundMe has been set up and has raised more than $26,000 in just four days
Big Brother winner Ryan Ginns’ father is fighting for his life in hospital after being bitten by a mosquito in Bali and contracting a rare and potentially deadly virus.
Dez Ginns fell unwell after returning from the Indonesian island and was rushed to Sunshine Coast University Hospital where he was placed in an induced coma.
Doctors believe Mr Ginns contracted Japanese Encephalitis while overseas, which caused life-threatening swelling on his brain, meningitis and pneumonia.
He celebrated his 60th birthday in a coma surrounded by his family, including Big Brother winner Ryan who shared a touching post for his father on Instagram.
Winner of Big Brother 2014 Ryan Ginns’ father Dez (pictured together) is fighting for his life in hospital after he was bitten by a mosquito in Bali and contracted a rare deadly virus
Dez Ginns (pictured with wife Judy) is in a coma at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital after he contracted Japanese Encephalitis
The virus caused life-threatening swelling on his brain, meningitis and pneumonia
‘My best mate,’ he wrote alongside an image of the pair last week.
‘I love you with all my heart dad. Happy 60th. We’re going to get through this.’
Japanese Encephalitis is extremely rare in Australia with doctors uncertain of the best treatments or outcomes for Mr Ginns.
The Mooloolaba hairdresser needs a ventilator to help him breathe and is expected to stay in the Intensive Care Unit for an extended period.
He is surrounded in hospital by his wife Judy, son Ryan and daughters Hayley, Tegan and Abbey.
The ‘larger-than-life’ man is expected to face a ‘long and arduous’ road to recovery with the months ahead full of 24-hour care and rehabilitation.
A GoFundMe has been set up for the family as they are facing considerable financial pressures as Mrs Ginns is unable to work while her husband remains in hospital.
Mrs Ginns thanked those who have already supported the family, raising more than $26,000 in just four days.
Ryan (pictured with fiance Sophie Palmer) shared a touching post for his father on Instagram
He is surrounded in hospital by his wife Judy (pictured) and children Ryan, who won Big Brother in 2014, Hayley, Tegan and Abbey
‘I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for your generosity in supporting Dez’s GoFundMe,’ she wrote on Monday.
‘Dez has always put myself and his children first and would do anything for us, so I decided to go ahead with it [the GoFundMe].’
‘I know one of his first concerns when he wakes up will be our business and the financial stress that will be a burden on our life.’
Mrs Ginns said her husband is the family’s main source of income as he is the driving force behind their hairdressing business.
Mr Dinns’ son Ryan, who won Big Brother in 2014 (pictured), is also by his side hoping for his dad’s recovery
‘As most people would know, Dez is our sole source of income and our business does not run without him,’ she wrote.
‘He loves what he does and is so proud, as I am, that he has been in business for over 40 years on the coast. He treasures his clients and their friendships many that have been with him since his very early days of hairdressing.’
Friend of the family Jen Nichols told the Sunshine Coast Daily Mr Ginns had one ‘moment of clarity’ where he kissed his wife, but otherwise his progress was minimal.
‘Every day is such a scary rollercoaster,’ Ms Nichols said.
‘He doesn’t deserve this … turning 60 in a coma, we were meant to be having a big party, instead he’s critical.’
Mrs Ginns said her husband is the family’s main source of income as he is the driving force behind their hairdressing business