![]() |
|
| Infectious Disease Factsheet | Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a virus. Only a small proportion of people who are infected will have symptoms, but in a small number it can be fatal. Infection is prevented by avoiding mosquito bites. |
Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) |
|
|
Last updated: 31 January 2008 What is MVE?Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the Murray Valley encephalitis virus. It is also known as Australian encephalitis. What are the symptoms?The disease takes about 5 to 15 days (normally 7 to 12 days) between getting bitten and becoming sick. The majority of people infected with MVE will have no symptoms.
People experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention. How is it spread?
Who is at risk?People most at risk are babies, young children and newcomers to the region. The disease is fatal in about 20 per cent of those who become sick, and a further 25 per cent can develop major neurological complications. About 40 per cent of cases will make a complete recovery. How is it prevented?There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for MVE. The only protection from MVE is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. This is particularly important to travellers and visitors to areas where MVE might be active. Mosquito protection during periods of MVE activity is absolutely essential:
How is it diagnosed?MVE is diagnosed when a blood test or test of the spinal fluid shows evidence of the virus (through nucleic acid testing or a rise in antibodies). How is it treated?Patients with MVE will usually require extensive support. There is no specific treatment for MVE. What is the public health response?MVE activity in birds is monitored through a network of sentinel chicken flocks in western NSW. Laboratories are required to notify cases of MVE to the local public health unit. Public health unit staff will interview the cases (or carer) to identify risk factors. A single report will usually lead to a search for other possible cases and further advice to the local community. |
|
| Further information - Public Health Units in NSW | |||||
| For more information please contact your doctor, local public health unit or community health centre - look under NSW Government at the front of the White Pages | |||||
| Metropolitan Areas | Location | Number | Rural Areas | Location | Number |
| Northern Sydney/Central Coast | Hornsby | 02 9477 9400 | Greater Southern | Goulburn | 02 4824 1837 |
| Gosford | 02 4349 4845 | Albury | 02 6080 8900 | ||
| South Eastern Sydney/Illawarra | Randwick | 02 9382 8333 | Greater Western | Broken Hill | 08 8080 1499 |
| Wollongong | 02 4221 6700 | Dubbo | 02 6841 5569 | ||
| Sydney South West | Camperdown | 02 9515 9420 | Bathurst | 02 6339 5601 | |
| Sydney West | Penrith | 02 4734 2022 | Hunter/New England | Newcastle | 02 4924 6477 |
| Parramatta | 02 9840 3603 | Tamworth | 02 6767 8630 | ||
| Justice Health Service | Matraville | 02 9311 2707 | North Coast | Port Macquarie | 02 6588 2750 |
| Lismore | 02 6620 7500 | ||||

