How can I lower my Murray Valley Encephalitis risk?

Question

Hello doctor,

I recently heard about the Murray Valley encephalitis virus and its transmission through mosquitoes. Living in an area prone to mosquito activity, I am concerned about the risk of contracting encephalitis.

Could you provide more information about this virus, including its transmission and the symptoms of encephalitis?
What steps can I take to protect myself and my family from mosquito bites and reduce the risk of infection?
Are there any specific preventive measures we should be aware of during certain times of the year or in particular environments?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) is a serious but rare infection caused by the Murray Valley encephalitis virus. It is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. Most infected people do not have symptoms, while others may develop a mild illness and fully recover. A small proportion of infected people develop encephalitis, an inflammation (swelling) of the brain. This can potentially lead to brain damage or death.

There is no effective treatment or vaccine for MVE. The best prevention is to protect against mosquito bites. Most people infected with the Murray Valley encephalitis virus do not have symptoms or only mild ones. A small number (about one in every 800 people) can develop a severe infection. If symptoms occur, they usually develop seven to 12 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, but this can be as little as five days or as long as 28 days. Symptoms can include:

Fever.
Nausea and vomiting.
Headache.
Muscle aches.
Severe headaches.
Neck stiffness.
Sensitivity to bright light (photophobia).
Seizures or fits (especially in young children).
Drowsiness.
Confusion.
Loss of consciousness or coma.
Severe infection may lead to long-term brain damage or death.

People can be infected with Murray Valley encephalitis when a mosquito bites them. It is not spread directly from person to person. Mosquitoes pick up the virus when feeding on water birds such as herons or egrets. It is not spread to humans from contact with birds or other animals.

People who work, live, or spend time outdoors in rural or regional Victoria, mainly inland riverine regions and extending up towards the Murray River, may be at increased risk of infection. Your best prevention is to protect against mosquito bites:

Wear long, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
Use mosquito repellents containing picaridin on all exposed skin.
Limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are about.
Remove stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed around your home or campsite.
Make sure your accommodation is fitted with mosquito netting or screens during holidays.
Do not forget the kids. You might need to spray or rub repellent on babies' clothes instead of their skin. Avoid applying repellent to the hands of babies or young children.
There is no effective treatment available for MVE. Treatment aims to support infected people and ease symptoms. Sometimes, people may need hospital care.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.