Virus death

A Buloke shire woman has died from a confirmed case of Murray Valley encephalitis virus.

The woman, aged in her 60s, died earlier this month. She was initially thought to have contracted Japanese encephalitis virus, however, further testing and analysis confirmed she died from Murray Valley encephalitis.

It is the first human case and death from the Murray Valley strain in Victoria since 1974.

Victoria’s chief health officer Brett Sutton said Murray Valley encephalitis virus, Japanese encephalitis virus and West Nile Kunjin virus had been detected in mosquitoes in several areas of northern Victoria this mosquito season.

There has been one confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis within Victoria.

“People should continue to be vigilant and take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Simple precautions include wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, using insect repellents, removing stagnant water around homes or properties, and avoiding the outdoors when mosquitoes are observed, especially at dusk and dawn,” Professor Sutton said.

Most people infected with Murray Valley encephalitis virus do not have symptoms. When they occur, symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches, and in serious cases, people can develop meningitis or encephalitis.

“Anyone with these symptoms should seek urgent medical care. Serious illness can result in death or long-term neurological complications,” Professor Sutton said.

While a vaccine is available against Japanese encephalitis, there is no vaccine against Murray Valley encephalitis.

Wimmera councils have led mosquito surveillance programs, which include setting traps in specific areas to test for disease-carrying mosquitoes.