The Chicken Watch shows that our mozzies have the Murray Valley Encephalitis
January 23, 2012
With the hot weather, mosquitoes have been on the rise and the Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) virus caused by mosquitoes has now been detected in Northern Victoria.
Dr Sharman Stone, Federal Member for Murray said that there are infected sentinel chickens in New South Wales and in the Victorian towns of Barmah, Kerang, Robinvale and Mildura and therefore people from our area must take extra precautionary measures to stop being bitten by mosquitoes.
“However, Victoria has not had a confirmed MVE case in humans since 1974. Mosquitoes bite chickens which can then become infected with the viruses. These sentinel chickens act as a warning system for human infection. They are monitored for any viruses that mosquitoes might be transmitting.
“Symptoms of the MVE virus include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and muscle aches. In more severe cases, the virus can cause severe headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to bright lights (photophobia), drowsiness and confusion.
“There is no specific treatment for MVE. It is best to take precautions especially at dusk and dawn. Wear long sleeves and trousers, light coloured clothing and use anti-mosquito personal repellents. Check fly-screens and keep an eye on children being bitten, said Sharman Stone.
Further Media Enquiries:
Dr Sharman Stone’s Office – Gaayathri Periasami 0417 148 110
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