Murray Valley encephalitis has been detected in trapped mosquitoes in a number of northern Victorian locations, prompting warnings for people to protect themselves against the virus.
Murray Valley encephalitis has now been detected in the local government areas of Loddon, Indigo and Mildura.
This follows earlier detections in Bendigo and Mildura, the first detections of Murray Valley encephalitis in more than 10 years through mosquito surveillance programs.
“While there are currently no cases in humans, these detections mean there is an imminent risk to human health, so we are urging people in northern Victoria to take immediate steps to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes,” Victoria’s deputy chief health officer Deborah Friedman said.
“Avoid being outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn, cover up with light-coloured, long-sleeved, loose-fitting clothing, regularly apply insect repellent, and get rid of water that mosquitoes breed in around your home,” Associate Professor Friedman said
Mosquitoes spread the virus to humans from infected animals, such as waterbirds.
The disease cannot pass from one human to another, and people cannot catch the virus by touching an infected animal or eating animal products.
Most people infected with Murray Valley encephalitis do not have symptoms.
However, in a small number of people, a life-threatening infection can result. If symptoms develop, they typically start seven to 12 days after exposure but may occur anywhere from five to 28 days after exposure.
Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches. In rare cases, people can develop meningitis or encephalitis and have symptoms of severe headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to bright lights, drowsiness, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness or coma.
Serious illness can result in death or long-term neurological complications.
There is no vaccine currently available for Murray Valley encephalitis virus.
Additional information about Murray Valley encephalitis is also available on the Better Health Channel.