Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus Detected In Griffith Again

The Murrumbidgee community is urged to take measures to protect itself against mosquito bites following the detection of the Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) virus in a mosquito in the Griffith area.

Murrumbidgee Local Health Director of Public Health, Alison Nikitas said most people who were infected with the virus that causes MVE did not have any symptoms.

“Only a small proportion of people infected with the virus will experience symptoms, which include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, and muscle aches,” Ms Nikitas said.

“Among those who get a severe infection, some may die or have lifelong neurological complications.

“There is no vaccination or specific treatment for MVE and the best way to avoid infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, which are most active between dusk and dawn.

“Avoiding mosquito bites will also protect against other mosquito-borne infections including Japanese encephalitis, Ross River Fever and Barmah Forest virus.”

Protect yourself and your family with the following tips:

• Cover openings such as windows and doors with insect screens and check for gaps.
• Remove items that might collect water, such as old tyres and empty pots where mosquitoes may breed.
• Improve drainage on your property so water doesn’t become stagnant.
• Wear light, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks, especially around dusk and dawn.
• Apply repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to all areas of exposed skin.
• Reapply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming, being sure to always apply sunscreen before applying repellent.
• Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos. (Mosquito coils should only be used outside.)

MVE virus is spread by mosquitoes from infected animals to humans.

It can cause severe neurological illness with headache, convulsions and reduced consciousness in rare cases.

The virus cannot be transmitted between humans and people cannot get the virus by touching an infected animal or eating animal products.

The primary host of MVE virus is waterbirds such as herons and egrets.

Detection of MVE is likely related to recent rainfall and flooding.

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