Two fatal cases of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) have been reported in Alice Springs, and the virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Greater Darwin, Northern Territory. This has led to a mosquito-borne disease alert. Increased rainfall has boosted the mosquito population and the risk of transmission.
Clinicians are advised to consider MVE in patients with compatible symptoms, particularly between February and July. Initial symptoms include fever, drowsiness, and headache. Mosquito protection measures are recommended.
