NT Health has issued a public warning about Murray Valley encephalitis – a mosquito-borne disease – following the recent death of an individual in the Top End region, adding that the case was most likely acquired in Darwin.

MVE is a potentially fatal disease caused by the mosquito-carrying MVE virus and can be fatal in 30 per cent of cases.

Details of the latest case were not provided.

NT Health said the northern suburbs of Darwin, bordering the wetlands, have been sprayed to prevent mosquito breeding and lessen the risk of MVE.

Symptoms of MVE consist of severe headache, high fever, drowsiness, tremor, and seizures (particularly in children). In some cases, MVE can lead to delirium, coma, permanent brain damage or death.

People most at risk of mosquito-borne diseases include infants and young children, newcomers to the Territory and people close to mosquito breeding areas after sundown.

The high-risk period for serious mosquito-borne diseases in the Territory is from February to June. Five deaths from MVE have been reported in the Territory in the past 20 years.

To minimize the risk of mosquito bites, people are urged to use a protective repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD); wear light-coloured protective clothing (long sleeves, trousers, and socks) when outdoors in mosquito-prone areas; avoid outdoor exposure around dusk and dawn, and at night near areas of dense vegetation or areas of high mosquito activity; and use mosquito-proof accommodation and camping facilities at night.

Further precautions such as the use of mosquito coils, mosquito lanterns and barrier sprays containing bifenthrin in patios and outdoor areas near houses are advised.

Children should also be adequately protected against mosquito bites.

NT Health said that Japanese encephalitis (JE) is another dangerous mosquito-borne disease that has been discovered in the Territory where three cases, including one death, have been verified since February 2021.