Deadly mosquito-borne diseases detected in Top End, Barkly

Territory residents and visitors are being urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites as the Murray Valley encephalitis and Kunjin viruses have been detected in the Top End and Barkly regions.

TERRITORY residents and visitors are being urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites as the mosquito-borne Murray Valley encephalitis Virus (MVE) and Kunjin Virus have been detected in the Top End and Barkly regions.

MORE TOP NEWS

Woman faces charges for a third time over spitting into a police officer’s face

DV case against cop to proceed to hearing as wife refuses to withdraw application

NT Racing Commission throws out unlucky punter who lost $16k in 11 days

Detection has occurred through the routine NT Health Mosquito Disease Surveillance Program.

MVE can be a very serious disease, in some cases causing delirium, coma, permanent brain damage or death.

Symptoms can include severe headache, high fever, drowsiness, tremor and seizure.

Medical Entomologist Bill Pettit said that this time of the year was the high risk period for mosquito borne diseases such as MVE and Kunjin Virus.

“It is timely to remind Territorians and visitors to protect themselves against mosquito bites while enjoying the outdoors until the end of July,” Mr Pettit said.

“Although mosquito numbers are currently relatively low in Top End urban areas and Central Australia, they can still occur in relatively high numbers in rural areas, especially those close to swamps and wetlands.”

Mr Pettit said people should cover up, use repellent and avoid outdoor exposure around mosquito prone areas after sundown.

HOT NEW DEAL: Read everything for just $1

“The MVE and Kunjin Viruses are transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, which mainly breeds in vegetated freshwater habitats and is active at night and in the early morning,” he said.

Follow @MsSarahMatthews

Originally published as Deadly mosquito-borne diseases detected in Top End, Barkly