Top End residents are again being warned to cover up against mosquitoes following a recent case of Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) in the Katherine region.
“February to July marks the main risk period for the potentially fatal MVE, with the carrier being the common banded mosquito, Culex annulirostris,” Acting Director of the Center for Disease Control, Dr Peter Markey explained.
Earlier this season a case was notified in Tennant Creek bringing the total to two in the Northern Territory.
Although virus testing in sentinel chickens carried out by Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries in April has not revealed any MVE virus activity, increased numbers of the common banded mosquito can be experienced in the Top End, including the Katherine region, at this time of year within five kilometres of freshwater creeks, flood plains and swamps.
All Territorians are being urged to take precautions against MVE, Kunjin and other mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus infection.
“MVE is a rare disease, but can potentially be fatal. The symptoms can include severe headache, high fever, drowsiness, tremor, seizures (especially in young children) and in some cases the disease can progress to delirium, coma, permanent brain damage or death,” said Dr Markey.
Kunjin virus symptoms can include high fever, headache, muscle pain, lethargy and sometimes rash, more serious complications such as encephalitis are relatively rare but can occur.
“People most at risk include campers, infants and young children who reside near problem areas. People in small or remote communities and anyone visiting parks and recreation areas where mosquitoes may be active are also at greater risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease,” Dr Markey said.
To minimise the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes, people should:
- use a protective repellent containing 20 per cent DEET or Picaridin as a supplement to protective clothing when outdoors in mosquito prone areas
- wear light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, long trousers and socks, between dusk and dawn in areas where mosquito bites are likely
- avoid outdoor exposure around dusk and at night near areas of dense vegetation and other areas of high mosquito activity
- use mosquito-proof accommodation and camping facilities at night
- use mosquito coils, mosquito lanterns and barrier sprays containing bifenthrin in patio and outdoor areas near houses
- ensure children are adequately protected against mosquitoes