The Top End is on high alert for Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), following the recent detection of high level MVE virus activity in sentinel chickens in the Darwin rural area.
As a result of the discovery, Top End residents are being urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites to stay safe from the potentially fatal MVE virus.
People are being urged to avoid exposure to mosquitoes after dusk as well as wearing light-coloured clothing with long sleeves and long trousers.
High virus activity was detected in sentinel chickens located in the rural area through the Flavivirus Surveillance Program run by the Department of Health (DoH) in liaison with the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries.
Medical entomologist, Nina Kurucz said MVE virus can be transmitted by the common banded mosquito. It is expected the highest risk of transmission will last until the end of June.
Although routine mosquito surveillance traps set in Darwin by DoH last week collected relatively low numbers of the common banded mosquito, relatively high numbers of the mosquito occur in rural areas close to wetlands and lagoons.
The common banded mosquito is active at night.
Ms Kurucz warned that rural areas could expect the greatest mosquito numbers. She said this was because fish and other predators had little or no access to pooled water where the insects breed and mosquito control activities were not possible.
Since surveillance for MVE began in 1974, a total of 36 cases had been recorded Territory wide. Close to 20 per cent of cases had been fatal while a further 14 per cent of patients suffered permanent severe impairment.
Ms Kurucz encouraged people to cover up, use repellent and avoid outdoor exposure around mosquito prone areas, such as creeks and wetlands – especially after sundown, until the end of June.
To minimise the risk of mosquito borne disease you should:
ensure that children are protected against mosquito bites
avoid outdoor exposure around dusk, and at night, within 2 km of swamps, creeks, rivers, billabongs and other flooded or low lying areas
use mosquito coils, mosquito lanterns, and apply barrier sprays containing bifenthrin in patio and outdoor areas near houses
use mosquito proof accommodation and camping facilities at night
wear light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, long trousers, and ankle protection with socks
use a protective mosquito repellent containing 20% DEET or picaridin and apply as per label advice. Gels and creams usually provide better protection.
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