Top End residents are being urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites following evidence of the Kunjin virus and Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVE) in the region.
Director of Medical Entomology, NT Health, Nina Kurucz, said routine testing as part of the NT Mosquito Disease Surveillance Program detected activity of the two viruses in the Darwin area.
“The Murray Valley encephalitis and Kunjin viruses are transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, which mainly breed in vegetated freshwater habitats and are active at night and in the early morning,” Ms Kurucz said.
“Both viruses are considered endemic or established in the Northern Territory.
“The high-risk period for these viruses is from February until the end of June, during which there is an increase in the number of common banded mosquitoes which transmit the diseases.
“As we are in the midst of this high-risk period, it’s timely that Territorians and visitors are reminded to protect themselves against mosquito bites while outdoors.
“Taking precautions will be especially important over the coming weeks with Easter, the school holidays and several long weekends coming up, when a lot of us will be enjoying camping and other outdoor activities.”
MVE is an inflammation of the brain and can be fatal. Symptoms include muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, and can progress to drowsiness, confusion, seizures and, in severe cases, to coma or death.
The Kunjin virus disease is similar to MVE, but with milder symptoms.
To minimise the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes people should:
Wear protective light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, long trousers and ankle protection with socks in areas where mosquito bites are likely;Avoid outdoor exposure near wetlands and flooded areas, especially after sundown;Use a protective repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalypt (PMD) and other mosquito protection devices as a supplement to protective clothing when outdoors in areas of mosquito activity;Ensure infants and children are adequately protected against mosquito bites;Consider insecticide barrier treatments by pest control companies for use around residential grounds;Ensure windows and doors have screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering houses.
The NT Mosquito Disease Surveillance Program is run by NT Health in partnership with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade. Since 1992 sentinel chickens have been strategically placed close to known mosquito breeding sites, with monthly blood samples screened for Kunjin virus and MVE.
