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.

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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.

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“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.

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