Virus detection spells early warning
People in the Kimberley are being warned to take precautions and avoid mosquito bites after the debilitating Murray Valley encephalitis virus was detected in the region for the first time in 2015.
No human cases of MVE have been reported this year but the virus has been detected through a sentinel chicken flock which acts as a surveillance program.
Carried out by the Health Department and the University of Western Australia, the program is an early warning system for virus activity in the region.
Department medical entomologist Peter Neville said MVE virus was only carried by mosquitoes and the only effective protection was to take precautions to avoid bites.
"While the risk of being infected and becoming unwell is low, the illness caused by the virus can be severe and even fatal," he said.
"Initial symptoms of MVE include fever, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck, nausea and dizziness.
"People experiencing these symptoms should seek medical advice quickly.
"In severe cases, people may experience fits, lapse into a coma, and may be left with permanent brain damage or die."
Dr Neville said in young children, fever might be the only early sign, so parents should see their doctor if concerned, particularly if their child experiences drowsiness, floppiness, irritability, poor feeding or general distress.
He said people did not need to alter their plans to visit the Kimberley region but it was important to avoid mosquito bites by taking a few simple steps when camping, fishing or undertaking other outdoor activities.
These include avoiding outdoor exposure around dawn and early evening, wearing protective long, loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing when outdoors and applying personal repellent.
When camping, it is also important to use mosquito coils, mosquito lanterns, nets and mosquito-proof tents.
For more information, visit www.public.health.wa.gov . .au.
