The NT Department of Health and Families has issued a clear warning to 'cover up' against the mosquito borne diseases Murray Valley encephalitis virus and Kunjin virus diseases for the Easter holiday period and the next three months.
Historically, March to June is the peak period for the Kunjin virus and potentially fatal Murray Valley encephalitis virus throughout the NT, with activity continuing in higher risk areas until July.
Senior Medical Entomologist Peter Whelan said there had been several indicators that Territorians should cover up.
"Recent testing of the sentinel chickens in Tennant Creek, Katherine and northwest Western Australia, as well as testing last month and the recent death in the Top End, indicates that the widespread activity of the MVE and Kunjin viruses is continuing around the NT.
Both viruses are transmitted by the bite of the common banded mosquito, which occurs in high numbers in the early to mid dry season. This mosquito breeds in flooded grassy and swamp areas and bites after sundown, with a peak in the first two hours of the night.
Mr Whelan said, "Only about one person in every thousand who is bitten by infected mosquitoes will contract these diseases. However, a fatal MVE case recently occurred in the Darwin area and there has also been a reported case in the Broome area in WA. On average there are one to two human cases of these diseases in the NT each year.
"Even though babies, young children, tourists and people from southern Australia are most at risk of MVE or Kunjin viruses, long-term residents can still become infected," said Mr Whelan.
Usual symptoms of Murray Valley encephalitis virus disease include severe headache, high fever, drowsiness, tremor and seizures - especially in young children. In some cases the condition progresses to delirium and coma, leading to paralysis, brain damage and, in a quarter of cases, death. Kunjin virus disease causes a milder disease, with fever and severe headache.
Mr Whelan said people experiencing the early symptoms of either disease should seek urgent medical attention.
He advised people to be aware and protect themselves from mosquito bites over the Easter holiday period.
"Whether you're camping, fishing, trekking or just visiting towns and rural areas near river and creek systems in the NT the message is simple�cover up and use repellents!
"Avoid outdoor exposure from dusk in all areas of high mosquito activity, use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents when camping, wear protective light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, long trousers and socks; and use a protective repellent containing deet," he said.
Media enquiries: Darrel Trueman 0401 116 203; Cameron Jackson 0401 116 144
Release date: Wednesday 8 April 2009
