Mossie virus fear spreads
Residents in Central Australia as well as the rest of the Territory are being urged to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) and Kunjin virus activity has presumptively been detected in the Centre. Director
of Medical Entomology, Nina Kurucz explained that preliminary results
from the flavivirus surveillance program carried out by the Department
of Health in liaison with the Department of Primary Industry and
Resources have indicated recent MVE and Kunjin virus activity in Tennant
Creek and Alice Springs. While previous flavivirus surveillance results showed https://www.katherinetimes.com.au/story/5228995/deadly-mosquitoes-swarm-katherine/" rel="nofollow - high level virus activity across the Top End, it is now likely that both viruses are also present in Central Australia.
Although
the risk of contracting Murray Valley encephalitis virus disease or
Kunjin is relatively low, due to low mosquito numbers across Central
Australia, people are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites,
as it might only take a few mosquitoes to transmit mosquito-borne
disease during periods of high level virus activity. The
viruses are transmitted by the common banded mosquito, Culex
annulirostris, which is active after sunset within a few kilometres of
seasonal lagoons and wetlands. 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 rare, but can potentially be fatal. The last MVE
case occurred in the West Arnhem region in April 2018, and the last
case in Central Australia was in 2015. 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 minimize 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.
Source: https://www.katherinetimes.com.au/story/5380492/mossie-virus-fear-spreads/" rel="nofollow - https://www.katherinetimes.com.au/story/5380492/mossie-virus-fear-spreads/
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