FOR the first time in more than 10 years, Murray Valley Encephalitis has been detected in northern Victoria.
Swan Hill Rural City Council’s public health and regulatory services coordinator Kelsey Corrie said MVE can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the central nervous system, and is spread to humans from infected mosquitoes.
“The virus is endemic to northern Australia and hasn’t been detected in mosquitoes in northern Victoria since 2011,” Ms Corrie said. “The last human case recorded in northern Victoria was in 1974 following significant flooding.
“Symptoms include fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches, although most people who are infected do not have any symptoms.
“Serious illness can cause meningitis or encephalitis, which can cause death or long term neurological complications – anyone with symptoms should seek urgent medical care.”
Ms Corrie said that the risk of mosquito borne disease is particularly high this season, and residents are urged to protect themselves and their families against mosquito bites by covering up in long sleeve clothing, wearing picardin or DEET based mosquito repellent, and checking that fly screens are secure.
“Remove potential breeding sites around your home by regularly emptying garden pot trays, replacing water in dog bowls, and fitting a fly wire screen over any water tanks in your yard,” Ms Corrie said.
“Mosquito coils are a great option to reduce mosquitoes, if you are outdoors.”
The Swan Hill Rural City Council recently took part in the Victorian Government mosquito surveillance program, which includes setting mosquito traps weekly in specific areas. The trapped mosquitoes are then sent to Melbourne for identification and disease testing, providing early detection for potential mosquito-borne diseases.
“Council’s Authorised Officers are conducting larval and adult mosquito treatment in high traffic locations around the municipality and they are also treating mosquito larvae in stagnant water sources,” Ms Corrie said.
“Treating the larvae prevents them from developing into adult mosquitoes and is the most effective treatment.
“Adult fogging and spraying is also occurring in high population locations such as parks, playgrounds and public events to temporality reduce the number of adult mosquitoes.”
While there is currently no vaccination against MVE, Ms Corrie wanted to remind residents the council is still offering it for Japanese Encephalitis. Immunisation sessions will run on Wednesday, February 1 and Thursday, February 2.
For more information or to book a vaccination session, visit www.swanhill.vic.gov.au/immunisations or call 03 5036 2591.
