ALL three people confirmed to have contracted Murray Valley encephalitis this year have died, the Victorian Health Department has revealed.
Victorian residents, particularly those in the northern part of the state, have been urged to protect themselves from mosquitoes to avoid the virus, which can develop into meningitis or encephalitis.
The department yesterday confirmed the death of a man in his 70s, from the Shire of Campaspe, earlier this month.
Two women aged in their 60s died last month. One was in Buloke Shire and the other is believed to have been exposed to infected mosquitoes in the Greater Bendigo area, but also spent time in Swan Hill during her acquisition period.
The Health Department is investigating an unspecified number of other suspected cases.
Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton urged Victorians to do everything they could to remain safe from the virus.
“These additional cases show mosquito-borne viruses are continuing to circulate, especially in northern Victoria,” Professor Sutton said.
“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.”
Murray Valley encephalitis virus and West Nile (Kunjin) virus have been detected in mosquitoes in several municipalities in northern Victoria, including Mildura, this mosquito season.
Before this year human cases of Murray Valley encephalitis had not been detected in Victoria since 1974.
These 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.
“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.
Victoria has also recorded one confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis this mosquito season.
Additional information about Murray Valley encephalitis is available at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
