Arabic version: تقرير عن حالتين وفاة في الإقليم الشمالي بسبب التهاب الدماغ الناتج عن فيروس وادي موري

Two people have died from Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) in Alice Springs during the past two months, prompting a health alert across the Northern Territory. According to ABC News, the fatalities occurred in April and May, but further details about the victims have not been released.

The NT Health Department has warned residents and visitors to take precautions against the mosquito-borne virus, particularly as mosquito activity is expected to remain high until late July in the Top End. MVE is typically most prevalent in the region between February and June, with a spike in cases often seen from March to May.

Symptoms of MVE include severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, drowsiness, confusion, and seizures. The health department has advised the public to apply insect repellents, wear protective clothing, and avoid areas with high mosquito populations, especially after sundown.

This year’s conditions have led to an expanded risk area for MVE, with significant rainfall creating ideal breeding environments for mosquitoes. Control efforts have already been implemented in certain areas, and further measures are planned to manage mosquito populations. In 2023, the NT experienced an outbreak of MVE, with a total of eight reported cases, including two deaths and two cases that resulted in severe neurological impairment.