First Case Of Murray Valley Encephalitis Detected In Hilltops

A second case of Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) virus infection has been confirmed in NSW, right here in the Hilltops region.

It is the first time MVE has been identified in the region, and by a resident of Hilltops LGA.

A man in his 50s, he was infected between late January and mid-February this year.

It is most likely that he was exposed to the virus at home, but had exposures across southern NSW, including as far east as the Shoalhaven.

The man was admitted to the hospital but has now been discharged.

NSW’s first case of the mosquito season, announced in February, was identified in a man in his 60s, who was potentially exposed to infected mosquitoes in the Temora Shire, Edward River Shire or Murrumbidgee Council areas.

MVE has recently been detected in border communities in Victoria.

Director of NSW Health’s One Health branch, Keira Glasgow said the latest case followed recent MVE detections in mosquitoes and sentinel chickens in western and southern NSW where surveillance was being carried out.

“There is no vaccination or specific treatment for Murray Valley encephalitis, so we urge the community to do everything they can to protect themselves against mosquito bites,” Ms Glasgow said.

“The best way to avoid infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, which are most active between dusk and dawn.”

“Avoiding mosquito bites will also protect against other mosquito-borne infections including Japanese encephalitis, Kunjin and Barmah Forest viruses.”

“Only a small proportion of people infected with Murray Valley Encephalitis virus will have any symptoms, which include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and muscle aches.”

“Signs of severe infection include severe headache, nick stiffness, sensitivity to bright lights, drowsiness, confusion, seizures and loss of consciousness.”

Ms Glasgow said the number of MVE detections in mosquitoes and sentinel chickens this season was concerning.

In response, NSW Health has established an expert advisory panel on mosquito control and management with medical entomologists from across Australia.

Ms Glasgow said they were looking closely at the various approaches to mosquito control in different environments and in areas with different population densities to help inform their approach to mosquito control and management in the State.

MVE virus is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. Rarely, it causes severe neurological illness.

The primary hosts of MVE and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) are wild waterbirds such as herons and egrets.

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