Murray Valley Encephalitis hits Pilbara/Kimberley
Apr 10th 2006, 4:27 am
#1
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Murray Valley Encephalitis hits Pilbara/Kimberley
For all those heading north this Easter...
Heavy rains increase risk of mosquito-borne disease
http://www.health.wa.gov.au/press/view_press.cfm?id=572
The Department of Health today extended its warning to people living and holidaying in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions to take extra care against mosquito bites due to the increased risk of mosquito-borne disease.
Medical Entomologist Dr Mike Lindsay said the continuing heavy wet season in the Kimberley had now led to widespread activity of the virus that causes the rare but potentially fatal Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE).
“The surveillance program, which is undertaken by The University of Western Australia, has also detected the spread of the virus into the Pilbara region for the first time this season,” he said.
“In light of the heavy rainfall associated with tropical cyclone Glenda, there is likely to be further spread of the virus over the coming weeks.
“Initial symptoms of MVE include fever, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck, nausea and dizziness, and people experiencing these symptoms should seek urgent medical advice.
“In severe cases people may experience fits, lapse into a coma, and may be left with permanent brain damage.
“In young children, fever might be the only early sign, so parents should see their doctor if concerned, and particularly if their child is drowsy, floppy, irritable, feeding poorly, or generally distressed.”
Dr Lindsay said the risk was likely to be highest near seasonal and temporary wetlands, billabongs, river floodplains and heavily vegetated dams and irrigation channels.
However, flooding associated with the heavy wet season and recent cyclones means that the risk will extend to other mosquito prone areas as well.
“Ross River virus is also active in many parts of the State, with cases currently being notified from towns across the Kimberley, Pilbara, Murchison, Midwest and Central Wheatbelt regions,” he said.
Ross River virus causes a non-fatal but potentially debilitating disease, with symptoms including joint pains, rash, muscle aches, fever and lethargy.
Dr Lindsay said symptoms of Ross River virus could persist for several weeks or months in severe cases.
There is no vaccine for MVE or Ross River viruses and no specific cure for the diseases.
The warning should not affect people’s plans to travel in WA but it is important to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, including:
1. avoid being outdoors at dusk and at night when mosquitoes are active
2. ensure insect screens are installed and use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents
3. wear insect repellent containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin, as well as protective clothing when outdoors
4. ensure infants and children are protected against mosquito bites, with suitable clothing, bednets or other forms of insect screening.
Heavy rains increase risk of mosquito-borne disease
http://www.health.wa.gov.au/press/view_press.cfm?id=572
The Department of Health today extended its warning to people living and holidaying in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions to take extra care against mosquito bites due to the increased risk of mosquito-borne disease.
Medical Entomologist Dr Mike Lindsay said the continuing heavy wet season in the Kimberley had now led to widespread activity of the virus that causes the rare but potentially fatal Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE).
“The surveillance program, which is undertaken by The University of Western Australia, has also detected the spread of the virus into the Pilbara region for the first time this season,” he said.
“In light of the heavy rainfall associated with tropical cyclone Glenda, there is likely to be further spread of the virus over the coming weeks.
“Initial symptoms of MVE include fever, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck, nausea and dizziness, and people experiencing these symptoms should seek urgent medical advice.
“In severe cases people may experience fits, lapse into a coma, and may be left with permanent brain damage.
“In young children, fever might be the only early sign, so parents should see their doctor if concerned, and particularly if their child is drowsy, floppy, irritable, feeding poorly, or generally distressed.”
Dr Lindsay said the risk was likely to be highest near seasonal and temporary wetlands, billabongs, river floodplains and heavily vegetated dams and irrigation channels.
However, flooding associated with the heavy wet season and recent cyclones means that the risk will extend to other mosquito prone areas as well.
“Ross River virus is also active in many parts of the State, with cases currently being notified from towns across the Kimberley, Pilbara, Murchison, Midwest and Central Wheatbelt regions,” he said.
Ross River virus causes a non-fatal but potentially debilitating disease, with symptoms including joint pains, rash, muscle aches, fever and lethargy.
Dr Lindsay said symptoms of Ross River virus could persist for several weeks or months in severe cases.
There is no vaccine for MVE or Ross River viruses and no specific cure for the diseases.
The warning should not affect people’s plans to travel in WA but it is important to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, including:
1. avoid being outdoors at dusk and at night when mosquitoes are active
2. ensure insect screens are installed and use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents
3. wear insect repellent containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin, as well as protective clothing when outdoors
4. ensure infants and children are protected against mosquito bites, with suitable clothing, bednets or other forms of insect screening.
Apr 10th 2006, 11:58 am
#2
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Re: Murray Valley Encephalitis hits Pilbara/Kimberley
I know they were worried about mosquito-borne diseases in the Innisfail & Atherton areas after Cyclone Larry, and lots of vaccines etc were flown up there. Also there is a large flu vaccination programme in progress.
A couple of us have been shopping like mad over the last few weeks buying insect repellent & sunscreen to arm the SES, and our staff, as they have flown north to help with the clear-up.
A couple of us have been shopping like mad over the last few weeks buying insect repellent & sunscreen to arm the SES, and our staff, as they have flown north to help with the clear-up.
Apr 10th 2006, 10:30 pm
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Joined: Sep 2002
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Re: Murray Valley Encephalitis hits Pilbara/Kimberley
Originally Posted by Pollyana
I know they were worried about mosquito-borne diseases in the Innisfail & Atherton areas after Cyclone Larry, and lots of vaccines etc were flown up there. Also there is a large flu vaccination programme in progress.
A couple of us have been shopping like mad over the last few weeks buying insect repellent & sunscreen to arm the SES, and our staff, as they have flown north to help with the clear-up.
A couple of us have been shopping like mad over the last few weeks buying insect repellent & sunscreen to arm the SES, and our staff, as they have flown north to help with the clear-up.
