NT Health

Public health alert: Murray Valley encephalitis

14 February 2023

NT Health is issuing a warning about mosquito borne diseases following the recent death of a person in the Top End region from Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE). The case was most likely acquired in Darwin.

MVE is an uncommon but potentially fatal disease that occurs after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the MVE virus.

Although mosquito numbers are relatively low in Top End urban areas, higher numbers can be found in areas close to swamps, creeks and wetlands.

Areas identified in the wetlands bordering the northern suburbs of Darwin have recently been sprayed to control mosquito breeding and further reduce the risk of mosquito borne diseases.

The symptoms of MVE include severe headache, high fever, drowsiness, tremor, seizures (especially in young children), and in some cases the disease can progress to delirium, coma, permanent brain damage or death.

Over the past 20 years, there have been five deaths from MVE reported in the Northern Territory (NT). It can be fatal in 30 per cent of cases.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is another serious mosquito-borne disease that occurs in the NT. There have been three cases of JE recorded since February 2021, including one death.

There have been no further cases of MVE or JE detected this year, however the community are reminded to remain vigilant and take active steps to prevent mosquito bites.

People most at risk of mosquito borne diseases include infants and young children, newcomers to the NT and people close to mosquito breeding areas after sundown.

People in remote communities and anyone visiting parks and recreation areas where mosquitoes may be active are also at greater risk.

The high risk period for serious mosquito borne diseases in the NT is from February to June.

To minimise the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes, people should:

 ·         use a protective repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD)

·         wear light-coloured protective clothing (long sleeves, trousers, socks) when outdoors in mosquito prone areas

·         avoid outdoor exposure around dusk and dawn, and at night near areas of dense vegetation or areas of high mosquito activity

·         use mosquito-proof accommodation and camping facilities at night

·         use mosquito coils, mosquito lanterns and barrier sprays containing bifenthrin in patio and outdoor areas near houses

·         ensure children are adequately protected against mosquitoes.

Media contact: media.health@nt.gov.au or 0456 832 283