Murray Valley encephalitis in Australia - New South Wales
22 Feb 2023
New South Wales Health has reported a case of Murray River encephalitis in the Riverina region.
The case probably became infected by mosquito bite in the Temora Shire, Edward River Shire or Murrumbidgee Council areas in January 2023.
Murray Valley encephalitis virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause fever, headache, nausea, rash, muscle and joint pains, rash and fatigue. More seriously, encephalitis (brain inflammation) occurs in some cases.
Advice for Travellers
The risk for most travellers to area with an outbreak of MVE is small. This risk is greater if you will be:
- participating in outdoor activities in risk areas such as swamps, wetlands and parks, especially during the evening or at night
- travelling to a risk area for a prolonged period of time
The best way to protect yourself against MVE is by avoiding mosquito bites, especially in the evening when this mosquito is most active.
Before you travel, consider how you will protect yourself from mosquito bites during your trip. This involves:
- using good quality insect repellents
- wearing the right clothing to protect your skin from bites
- using a mosquito net
- reducing the number of mosquitos in and around your accommodation
You should also be aware of how to treat bites if they occur.
The is no vaccine or specific treatment for MVE.