THERE have been a further two confirmed cases of Murray Valley encephalitis virus recorded in Victoria, including one death.
One of the cases was a woman in her 60s who died in February. She was most likely exposed to infected mosquitoes in Greater Bendigo, but also spent time in Swan Hill during her acquisition period.
The other new case – a man in his 70s – was being treated in hospital after potentially being exposed to infected mosquitoes in the Campaspe Shire, which includes Echuca.
The two additional cases brought the number of confirmed Murray Valley encephalitis cases in Victoria to three this mosquito season, with two deaths.
There had been one confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis virus in Victoria this season and the Department of Health was investigating a number of other suspected cases of the infections.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said the additional cases showed mosquito-borne viruses were continuing to circulate, especially in northern Victoria.
“We’ve seen cases of mosquito-borne viruses this season in people visiting the Murray Valley, so we’re taking this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of protecting themselves from mosquito bites,” he said.
“People can do this by wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, using insect repellents, removing stagnant water around homes or properties, and avoiding the outdoors when mosquitoes are observed, especially at dusk and dawn.”
Murray Valley encephalitis virus and West Nile (Kunjin) virus had been detected in mosquitoes in several municipalities in northern Victoria this mosquito season.
Before this year, the last human cases of Murray Valley encephalitis were detected in Victoria in 1974.
The viruses can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the central nervous system and are spread to humans by infected mosquitoes.
Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches, although most infected people do not have symptoms. In serious cases, people can develop meningitis or encephalitis – which can be fatal.
“We urge anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek urgent medical care, given the long-term or potentially fatal complications of serious illness,” Prof Sutton said.
The Department of Health provided funding and support to councils in high-risk areas for mosquito-borne diseases to undertake mosquito surveillance and control activities.
Local councils in northern Victoria were continuing their vector control activities to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
