Top End residents and visitors are warned not to become complacent when it comes to getting bitten by mosquitoes. This warning follows ongoing detections of Kunjin virus (KUNV) activity in the Darwin region.

"February to July is the high risk period for Kunjin virus disease, as well as the potentially fatal Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) virus disease, with 2 cases already notified earlier this year,” Director of Medical Entomology, Nina Kurucz explained.

“People need to understand the high risk associated with MVE. Although the disease is rare, a very high number of people affected by the virus, experience severe long-term health effects,” Ms Kurucz says.

Symptoms of MVE 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.

KUNV symptoms can include high fever, headache, muscle pain, lethargy and sometimes rash, but more serious complications such as encephalitis are rare.

Virus testing in sentinel chickens carried out by Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries in early June showed that the KUNV is still present in the Darwin region, with the common banded mosquito able to transmit the virus still occurring in elevated numbers, especially in rural areas.  

"People most at risk include those engaging in outdoor activities after sunset, when close to freshwater swamps and lagoons, as well as infants and young children. People in small or remote communities and anyone visiting parks and recreation areas near water where mosquitoes may be active are also at greater risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease," Ms Kurucz explained.

All Territorians and visitors are being urged to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes by:

• using a protective repellent containing 20 per cent DEET or Picaridin as a supplement to protective clothing when outdoors in mosquito prone areas

• wearing light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, long trousers and socks, between dusk and dawn in areas where mosquito bites are likely

• avoiding outdoor exposure around dusk and at night near areas of dense vegetation and other areas of high mosquito activity

• using mosquito-proof accommodation and camping facilities at night

• using mosquito coils, mosquito lanterns and barrier sprays containing bifenthrin in patio and outdoor areas near houses

• ensuring children are adequately protected against mosquitoes

Media inquiries: Lorraine Hook 8999 2818 or 0427 596 954