11 March 2011
The detection of Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) / Kunjin virus (KUNV) in the combined NT Health and Department of Resources Primary Industry laboratories program of sentinel chickens in the Barkly region, gives early notice of the presence of these mosquito borne viruses in the region and has prompted a public alert from the Centre for Disease Control (CDC).
"Mosquito borne viruses have a range of unpleasant and potentially serious symptoms, and their presence relatively close to a large population centre is a cause for concern," CDC Alice Springs and Barkly Regions Coordinator, Dr Teem-Wing Yip, said.
"Mosquito breeding has been on the increase due to the persistent rains and we're urging residents and visitors to all regions in the NT to cover up and protect themselves for the next three months against mosquito bites."
Dr Yip said reducing exposure to the mosquito borne diseases endemic to the Territory - Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV), Kunjin virus (KUNV), Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV) - is the best way of combating diseases that are debilitating and can even be fatal.
"Recent rainfall patterns in the NT increased the likelihood of both MVEV and KUNV in the Barkly, and further north for all the Top End, and testing is now confirming our expectations," Dr Yip added.
To avoid mosquito borne disease, residents are urged to use personal mosquito protection, and avoid being outdoors near flooded areas or places where mosquitoes are active, especially after sundown from now until June.
Rain filled containers are prime domestic mosquito breeding grounds and need to be tipped out and stored under cover. Roof gutters need to be cleaned of debris to ensure they are free draining. Rainwater tanks should be inspected to ensure they are sealed against mosquito entry.
Flooded areas of organic pollution including areas of septic contamination should be drained as much as possible, with remnant pooling treated with methoprene pellets or the new mosquito larvicide surface film.
Infection with KUNV can cause symptoms that are similar to RRV, such as swollen and aching joints, fever, headache and rash, with headache usually more pronounced than RRV. However in rare cases, KUNV can cause more severe symptoms which include severe headache, neck stiffness, fever, and delirium.
Symptoms most commonly associated with RRV and BFV disease include painful or swollen joints (particularly in the hands, ankles and knees), sore muscles, aching tendons, skin rash, fatigue, fever, headache and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms usually last a few weeks to a few months but can last longer. Children are generally less affected by RRV disease than adults, and tend to recover quicker.
MVEV symptoms can include severe headache, high fever, drowsiness, tremor, seizures (especially in young children), and in some cases the disease progresses to delirium, coma, permanent brain damage or death. In young children, fever might be an early sign. If the child also has drowsiness, floppiness, poor feeding or general distress, parents should consult a doctor.
People do not need to alter their plans to visit the NT, but it is important to avoid mosquito bites by taking a few simple steps, such as:
- avoid outdoor exposure around dusk and at night, near rivers and areas of dense vegetation as well as other areas of high mosquito activity
- consider bifenthrin insecticide barrier treatments from pest control companies for use around residential grounds
- regularly search the yard for water pooling or containers holding water. Drain and store containers under cover, or turn over, dispose of or treat with methoprene insecticide pellets or liquid mosquito surface film
- use mosquito proof accommodation and camping facilities at night
- wear protective light coloured clothing with long sleeves, long trousers, and ankle protection with socks, between dusk and dawn in areas where mosquito bites are likely
- use a protective repellent containing 20% DEET or picaridin when outdoors at night in areas of mosquito activity, ensuring directions for use and application on the label are followed
- use other mosquito protection devices such as mosquito lanterns or insecticide pads or coils as a supplement to protective clothing in exposed situations such as patios or verandahs
- ensure children are adequately protected against mosquito bites.
Media Contact: Sharon Hutton 8951 5123 or 0401 114 113
