PUBLIC AWARNESS IS NSW #MurrayValley #encephalitis #MVE virus in a #mosquito in #Menindee
Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus in a mosquito in Menindee
Communities across NSW are encouraged to take measures to protect themselves against mosquito bites following the detection of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus in a mosquito in Menindee.
The primary hosts of MVE virus are waterbirds such as herons and egrets. Detection of MVE is likely related to recent rainfall and flooding. Locally acquired cases of MVE were last identified in NSW in 2011.
Executive Director of Health Protection NSW, Dr Richard Broome said most people who are infected with the virus that causes MVE do not have any symptoms.
People in NSW are urged to take actions to prevent mosquito bites to protect against all mosquito-borne viruses. Protect yourself and your family by:
• covering openings such as windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no have gaps in them
• removing items that might collect water (such as old tyres, empty pots) outside your house where mosquitoes can breed
• improving drainage on your property so that water does not become stagnant
• wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks, especially around dusk and dawn
• applying repellent to all areas of exposed skin, using repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming, being sure to always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent
• using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos (mosquito coils should only be used outside).
For further information and ways to protect yourself link will be posted on discription.
What is Murray Valley encephalitis?
Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) is a rare disease caused by the Murray Valley encephalitis virus. It is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes.
What are the symptoms of Murray Valley encephalitis?
Most people who are infected with the virus that causes Murray Valley encephalitis do not have any symptoms.
Only a small proportion of infected people may get symptoms, and these may include:
• fever
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea
• muscle aches.
Rarely, the MVE virus can cause a severe brain infection known as encephalitis. The danger signs of Murray Valley encephalitis include the following symptoms:
• severe headache
• neck stiffness
• sensitivity to bright lights (photophobia)
• drowsiness and confusion
• coma
• seizures
• loss of consciousness.
Among those who get a severe infection, some may have lifelong neurological complications or even death.
If you get these symptoms, contact a doctor right away, or Health Direct on 1800-022-222 or in an emergency call Triple Zero (000) or visit your nearest emergency department.
How is the Murray Valley encephalitis virus spread?
It is spread when a mosquito bites an animal (horses, kangaroos and non-water birds) that has the Murray Valley encephalitis virus and then this mosquito bites a human. This mosquito is common around the Murray Darling River basin areas in NSW during summer.
People are not able to give the virus to other people. People cannot get the virus by touching an infected animal or eating animal products. People with MVE infection develop long-lasting immunity that is likely life-long.
Who has a higher chance of getting the Murray Valley encephalitis virus?
Those who are more likely to get Murray Valley encephalitis virus infection are people who live or spend time west of the Great Dividing Range, especially:
• around wetlands or rivers
• if they spend a lot of time outside (e.g., camping, fishing, hiking, gardening).
How do I avoid the Murray Valley encephalitis virus?
There is currently no vaccine against Murray Valley encephalitis. The best way to avoid Murray Valley encephalitis is to not get bitten by mosquitoes. Protect yourself:
• use insect repellent. The best mosquito repellents have diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• wear long, loose fitting and light-coloured clothing and covered shoes when outside
• do not spend lots of time outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
• cover all windows, doors, vents, and other entranced with insect screens
• remove any containers that hold water where mosquitoes may breed
• use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units (inside), and mosquito coils (outdoors) to clear rooms and repel mosquitoes from an area
• use mosquito nets or screens.
What is the public health response?
• For more information please call your local Public Health Unit on 1300-066-055.
• Visit the mosquito borne diseases section of the NSW Health website.
NSW Health Facebook info page :
https://web.facebook.com/NewSouthWalesHealth/posts/pfbid02Zs1sTcHW12UjFp6Dhwk9XnwJwnVsputzMr8cw7MX28ZUg1mZGYi6WXvHS2sLCyA9l
NSW Health Mosquito borne diseases info page :
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/mosquito-borne/Pages/default.aspx
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