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Deadly virus alert reissued for Territory
From: By Emma Gumbleton
May 12, 2006
THE Northern Territory Health Department has reissued a warning for the potentially fatal virus Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE), which is carried by mosquitoes.
Entomologist Peter Whelan said evidence of widespread MVE activity and one human case in WA suggests a similar spread in the NT this month.
The related Kunjin virus has also surfaced in the Territory.
Mr Whelan said there is on average one human case of MVE a year in the Territory.
But he said more could be reported this year because of late wet season rains and an expected mosquito population boom with the drier weather.
"It's quite possible the activity of this virus could last longer and that it could extend past the usual end of the mosquito season into July," he said.
Mr Whelan warned residents who live within 5km of freshwater sources should be taking precautions. He said risks would be higher near Leanyer swamp. "For the Darwin urban area, the risks would be higher in the suburbs that front Leanyer swamp.
"For the rest of the Territory it's primarily going to be in the Top End near all the river systems that have flooded in the wet season - the Daly, the Mary and even as far over as the Roper and the McArthur."
Only one person in every 1000 bitten by infected mosquitoes will contract the disease.
Symptoms include severe headaches, fever, drowsiness, tremor and seizures.
In some cases the virus leads to coma, paralysis, brain damage and death. A warning extends for the diseases across the Top End, including Katherine.
Those at most risk include babies, young children and tourists who haven't had contact with the virus before.
There have been no cases of MVE so far this year.
From: By Emma Gumbleton
May 12, 2006
THE Northern Territory Health Department has reissued a warning for the potentially fatal virus Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE), which is carried by mosquitoes.
Entomologist Peter Whelan said evidence of widespread MVE activity and one human case in WA suggests a similar spread in the NT this month.
The related Kunjin virus has also surfaced in the Territory.
Mr Whelan said there is on average one human case of MVE a year in the Territory.
But he said more could be reported this year because of late wet season rains and an expected mosquito population boom with the drier weather.
"It's quite possible the activity of this virus could last longer and that it could extend past the usual end of the mosquito season into July," he said.
Mr Whelan warned residents who live within 5km of freshwater sources should be taking precautions. He said risks would be higher near Leanyer swamp. "For the Darwin urban area, the risks would be higher in the suburbs that front Leanyer swamp.
"For the rest of the Territory it's primarily going to be in the Top End near all the river systems that have flooded in the wet season - the Daly, the Mary and even as far over as the Roper and the McArthur."
Only one person in every 1000 bitten by infected mosquitoes will contract the disease.
Symptoms include severe headaches, fever, drowsiness, tremor and seizures.
In some cases the virus leads to coma, paralysis, brain damage and death. A warning extends for the diseases across the Top End, including Katherine.
Those at most risk include babies, young children and tourists who haven't had contact with the virus before.
There have been no cases of MVE so far this year.