A woman in her 60s dies after contracting encephalitis

Once the virus has been contracted it can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the central nervous system.

A Victorian woman who was found to have contracted a rare mosquito-borne disease has died, marking the state’s second death from the virus this season.

The woman in her 60s most likely contracted Murray Valley encephalitis in Greater Bendigo, having also spent time in Swan Hill during the time in which she contracted the illness.

The Victorian Department of Health confirmed on Tuesday that she sadly passed away in February.

Another man in his 70s, who is believed to have been exposed to the infected mosquitoes in the Shire of Campaspe, is currently being treated in hospital.

Both cases bring the total from this mosquito season up to three, with the first case also succumbing to the virus.

A mosquito surveillance officer in Shepparton traps mozzies for testing. Picture: Twitter @VicGovDH

Murray Valley encephalitis virus and West Nile (Kunjin) virus have been detected in multiple regions in northern Victoria this mosquito season, where local councils continue to undertake vector control activities.

Once the virus has been contracted it can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the central nervous system, possibly leading to symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches.

In the most serious cases infected persons can develop life-threatening meningitis or encephalitis.

There has also been one confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis virus while a number of other suspected cases are currently under investigation.

Victoria’s chief health officer Professor Brett Sutton said the most recent cases served as important reminders for the community to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Victorian chief health officer Professor Brett Sutton said the cases have occurred in people “visiting the Murray Valley”. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

“These additional cases show mosquito-borne viruses are continuing to circulate, especially in northern Victoria,” he said.

“People can (protect themselves) by wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, using insect repellents, removing stagnant water around homes or properties, and avoiding the outdoors when mosquitoes are observed, especially at dusk and dawn.

“We urge anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek urgent medical care, given the long-term or potentially fatal complications of serious illness.”

The state’s last human case of Murray Valley encephalitis prior to this year was in 1974.

Originally published as A woman in her 60s dies after contracting encephalitis