Residents and visitors in the Katherine region are being urged to take precautions to protect themselves against mosquitoes, with Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus activity detected.  

Director of Medical Entomology, Nina Kurucz explained that the flavivirus surveillance program, carried out in liaison with the Department of Primary Industry and Resources, has detected MVE virus activity in Katherine.  

The MVE virus is transmitted by the common banded and the floodwater mosquitoes that are mainly active after sundown and in the early morning.

With the recent extensive rain, mosquito numbers are rising, increasing the risk for MVE.

The mosquitoes can occur in pest numbers within a few kilometres of their breeding sites. They breed in grassy depressions filled with water, seasonal lagoons and wetlands.  Both species are also able to transmit Ross River virus.

Ms Kurucz said “To avoid mosquito borne disease, use personal mosquito protection and avoid being outdoors in or close to wetland areas or places where mosquitoes are active, especially after sunset.”

Murray Valley encephalitis is a rare disease, but can potentially be fatal. The high risk period for MVE is February to June.

The symptoms can include severe headache, high fever, drowsiness, tremor and seizures (especially in young children).   In some cases the disease can progress to delirium, coma, permanent brain damage or death.

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.

Media Contact: Dimitra Grehl 0427 596 954