Territorians have again been warned to take precautions against mosquitoes after a recent suspect case of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) was confirmed as positive by the NT Centre for Disease Control.
The confirmation takes the number of MVE cases in the Northern Territory to two this year, one of them resulting in the death of a Territory man in mid-March.
Western Australian health authorities have also reported their second case of MVE this year after a man from Port Hedland contracted the disease last week.
Murray Valley Encephalitis is a potentially fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It is endemic in the NT, from the Tennant Creek region to the north coast. Usual symptoms of the disease include severe headache, high fever, drowsiness, tremor, and seizures. In some cases the condition progresses to delirium and coma, leading to paralysis or brain damage. Despite best care, 25 per cent of infected people die and at least 25 per cent will have residual neurological effects.
NT Centre for Disease Control Director, Dr Vicki Krause, said that people most at risk of MVE are those with no prior exposure to the virus, including babies, young children, and tourists. "Nevertheless, as the recent cases demonstrate, MVE has also been reported in long-term residents and people well acquainted with the Top End.
"It is essential to take every precaution to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. Take care to recognise likely high density biting spots within two to five kilometres of wet season flooded grassy and swampy areas, and longer-lasting swamps, creeks, rivers or flooded areas.
"You can reduce your chances of getting bitten by avoiding these areas at night, and by protecting against mosquitoes, particularly just after sundown and for the first two hours of the evening."
Dr Krause advised Territorians that until the end of July they should wear protective, light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, trousers, and socks between dusk and dawn. Use mosquito-proof tents when camping and choose protective repellent containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin when outside in mosquito-prone areas.
DHF continues to run 'Finito Mosquito' TV commercials reminding Territorians of the dangers of mosquito-borne disease and the importance of adequate precautions.
The current MVE patient, an adult male Territorian, has frequently engaged in Top End recreational outdoor activities, most recently around Darwin's rural coast. The patient's family has requested that details about the patient remain confidential.
Media contacts: Darrel Trueman 0401 116 203; Cameron Jackson 0401 116 144
Release date: 19 May 2009
