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In Brief
- NT authorities have issued a warning for the virus that killed two people between April and May.
- Mosquito collecting and testing sites are operating across central Australia.
In a remote Australian town, two fatalities linked to a virus spread by mosquitoes have led officials to urge residents to take protective measures, such as wearing long sleeves and applying insect repellent.
On Tuesday, health officials in the Northern Territory confirmed that two individuals had succumbed to Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE).
According to a spokesperson from NT Health, these tragic incidents took place in Alice Springs during April and May.
The virus, which is both rare and potentially deadly, can be contracted through the bite of a mosquito carrying the infection.
In the Northern Territory, the virus is most commonly transmitted from February to June, with the majority of cases emerging between March and May.
However, significant rainfall this year has increased the risk.
Health authorities undertake mosquito surveillance and testing across the Top End for the virus from January to June each year.
A spokesperson confirmed MVE was detected twice during testing near Darwin.
Mosquito collecting and testing sites are currently operating in central Australia.
Symptoms of the virus include severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, muscle aches, drowsiness, confusion and seizures.
Water sources, including isolated pools, provide ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, which are most active after sundown, at night and early in the morning.
NT Health has encouraged residents and visitors to protect themselves by applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, to wear light-coloured protective clothing and to cover their feet.
They should also ensure tents are mosquito-proof, avoid mosquito-prone areas, especially after sundown, and use mosquito coils or mosquito lanterns for outdoor areas.
During a 2023 outbreak, eight cases were recorded, including two deaths and two cases resulting in severe neurological impairment.
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