A Victorian girl who was discovered to have contracted a uncommon mosquito-borne illness has died, marking the state’s second dying from the virus this season.
The girl in her 60s almost definitely contracted Murray Valley encephalitis in Greater Bendigo, having additionally frolicked in Swan Hill through the time during which she contracted the sickness.
The Victorian Department of Health confirmed on Tuesday that she sadly handed away in February.
Another man in his 70s, who’s believed to have been uncovered to the contaminated mosquitoes within the Shire of Campaspe, is at the moment being handled in hospital.
Both instances deliver the whole from this mosquito season as much as three, with the primary case additionally succumbing to the virus.
Murray Valley encephalitis virus and West Nile (Kunjin) virus have been detected in a number of areas in northern Victoria this mosquito season, the place native councils proceed to undertake vector management actions.
Once the virus has been contracted it could trigger a uncommon however doubtlessly critical an infection of the central nervous system, probably resulting in signs reminiscent of fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches.
In probably the most critical instances contaminated individuals can develop life-threatening meningitis or encephalitis.
There has additionally been one confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis virus whereas quite a lot of different suspected instances are at the moment below investigation.
Victoria’s chief well being officer Professor Brett Sutton stated the latest instances served as essential reminders for the neighborhood to guard themselves from mosquito bites.
“These additional cases show mosquito-borne viruses are continuing to circulate, especially in northern Victoria,” he stated.
“People can (protect themselves) by wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, using insect repellents, removing stagnant water around homes or properties, and avoiding the outdoors when mosquitoes are observed, especially at dusk and dawn.
“We urge anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek urgent medical care, given the long-term or potentially fatal complications of serious illness.”
The state’s final human case of Murray Valley encephalitis previous to this yr was in 1974.
Originally revealed as A girl in her 60s dies after contracting encephalitis
Source: www.news.com.au
