Communities across western and southern areas of inland NSW are urged to protect themselves against mosquito bites as detections of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus increase.
MVE virus has been detected in mosquitoes across a wide area of western and southern NSW, including Albury, Leeton and Mathoura last week. Sentinel chickens used for surveillance of viruses have also been infected with MVE virus in western NSW.
Spray up, cover up, screen up
MVE virus is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. It rarely causes severe neurological illness.
Acting Director of Public Health, Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), Alison Nikitas, is encouraging the community to continue taking precautions against being bitten.
“The school holidays might be over, but the warm weather means many of us are still enjoying outdoor activities. While the fun and exercise are welcome, being bitten by mosquitoes is not,” Ms Nikitas said.
“There is no vaccination or specific treatment for MVE and the best way to avoid infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, which are most active between dusk and dawn.”
Detections in sentinel chickens suggest that virus levels within mosquito populations are high and there is potential for the virus to spread to people.
“Only a small proportion of people infected with the virus will have any symptoms, which include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, and muscle aches. Among those who get a severe infection, lifelong neurological complications or death can result,” Ms Nikitas said.
“Signs of severe infection include severe headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to bright lights, drowsiness, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
“Avoiding mosquito bites will also protect against other mosquito-borne infections including Japanese encephalitis, Ross River Fever and Barmah Forest virus.”
The primary hosts of MVE and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) are wild waterbirds such as herons and egrets. Recent detections of MVE virus are likely related to recent flooding and increased numbers of waterbirds.
Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites by:
wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks, especially around dusk and dawn
applying repellent to all areas of exposed skin, using repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming, being sure to always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent
covering openings such as windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps in them
removing items that might collect water (such as old tyres, empty pots) outside your house where mosquitoes can breed
improving drainage on your property so that water does not become stagnant
using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos (mosquito coils should only be used outside).
Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) is delighted to announce that Midwifery Manager Sandra Forde has been awarded the highly respected 2024 Don Kendell Memorial Leadership Award. The award, presented at our Annual Public Meeting, honours individuals who exemplify the leadership qualities that Don Kendell himself championed—commitment, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to improving healthcare.
