NT Health is urging Greater Darwin residents to take precautionary measures following the detection of the rare but potentially life-threatening Murray Valley encephalitis virus in local mosquitoes.

NT chief health officer Paul Burgess said that with the onset of the Dry, mosquito numbers are expected to rise as water sources dwindle to isolated pools, creating favourable breeding conditions.

He said MVE is a mosquito-borne illness transmitted by mosquito bites. Common symptoms include severe headaches, fever, nausea and vomiting, muscle pain, drowsiness, confusion, and seizures.

“Residents are advised to be particularly vigilant during the evening hours, as mosquitoes in the area are most active after sundown and in the early morning,” Dr Burgess said.

“MVE is a rare but potentially life-threatening illness, with a total of 46 cases documented in the NT since monitoring started in 1974.”

Dr Burgess said that in 2023 there was an outbreak that resulted in eight cases, including two deaths and two people experiencing severe impairment.

He said NT Health has Conducted mosquito control measures across 35 hectares of breeding sites in the Leanyer and Micket swamps late last month.

To protect against MVE, individuals should take several precautions, including using insect repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Residents are also encouraged to wear light-coloured protective clothing and cover their feet to reduce exposure to mosquitoes, and to avoid areas known to be mosquito-prone, especially after sundown.

When camping, people should ensure tents are mosquito-proof and that infants and children are adequately protected from mosquito bites.

Lastly, use mosquito coils or lanterns with insecticide-treated pads in outdoor spaces such as patios and verandas.

NT Health conducts mosquito testing in collaboration with Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories from January to June each year, the peak risk period for MVE.

For more information, visit the NT Health website.