For the first time in more than a decade, New South Wales has detected a mosquito virus that can cause seizures and lifelong neurological damage.
Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) virus was detected in mosquitoes in Menindee, the westernmost province of New South Wales.
Locals are urged to take measures to protect themselves from the virus spreading to humans from animals infected by mosquitoes.
In some cases, it can cause serious neurological problems with symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
The last detection of MVE in New South Wales was in 2011.
Potentially deadly Murray Valley encephalitis virus detected in mosquitoes in Menindee, New South Wales’ westernmost tip, after local flooding (pictured) caused mosquito populations to surge.
Rainfall, flooding and summer heat create the perfect breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes, health officials warn.
Mosquitoes spread the virus to humans from infected animals such as waterfowl such as herons and egrets.
The disease is not transmissible from person to person, and the virus cannot be transmitted by touching infected animals or eating animal products.
Many people infected with Murray Valley encephalitis experience no symptoms, but some develop a severe infection, and the virus can cause neurological problems in rare cases, says Health Protection. NSW Executive Director Richard Bloom said.
“Only a small percentage of people infected with the virus experience symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea and muscle pain,” Bloom said.
“Some people with severe infections die or suffer lifelong neurological complications.”
There is no vaccination or specific treatment for Murray Valley encephalitis. The best way to avoid infection is to avoid being bitten.
“Mosquito bite avoidance also protects against other mosquito-borne infections, such as Japanese encephalitis, Ross River fever, and Balma Forest virus,” Bloom said.
That’s because mosquitoes carrying Ross River fever and Balma forest virus have been detected in five times the normal numbers in South Australia, SA Health said Wednesday.
Authorities also detected large numbers of mosquito species known to carry many serious diseases, including Japanese encephalitis, Murray Valley encephalitis and Kunjin/West Nile virus.
The virus can cause flu-like symptoms and death, and can only be spread by mosquito bites.
SA Health detected mosquitoes in the Murray area west of Adelaide.
Japanese encephalitis can be vaccinated, but other infectious diseases cannot be vaccinated.
Nicola Spurrier, SA’s chief health officer, echoed Dr. Broome’s comments and said it was important for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
“With mosquito populations currently exploding, it’s imperative that people in South Australia protect themselves,” she said.
About 45 people in Australia have been infected with Japanese encephalitis since January 2021, according to the latest government data.
These include 35 conclusive and 10 probable cases in all states and territories except Tasmania and Washington.
The virus is a rare but serious disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes and can also infect animals.
As few as 1 in 250 infected people develop brain inflammation that can permanently damage the nervous system or cause death.
