Murray Valley encephalitis
Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) is a potentially fatal disease that occurs after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the MVE virus.
Children are at greater risk, with the very young and older people more likely to have long term health problems after an infection.
The mosquitoes that spread MVE are most active at dawn and dusk.
It is considered to be one of the most severe illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes in the Northern Territory (NT), along with Japanese encephalitis.
Seasonal risk
Mosquitos are an active part of the Northern Territory (NT) environment.
There is an increase risk of MVE between February and July, most cases are detected between March and May.
Notifiable disease
MVE is a notifiable disease.
Information for health professionals
| Type | Resource | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Document | Murray Valley encephalitis fact sheet PDF (150.0 KB) | NT Health |
| Document | Murray Valley encephalitis virus – CDNA National Guidelines for Public Health Units | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care |
| Document | Mosquito-borne diseases fact sheet PDF (181.7 KB) | NT Health |
| Tropical Health Orientation Manual for health practitioners in Northern Australia | Murray Valley encephalitis | Centre for Remote Health |
Information for the public
| Type | Resource | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Webpage | Murray Valley encephalitis | NT Government |
| Webpage | Protecting yourself against mosquitoes | NT Government |
| Document | Protect your baby from mosquito bites 2024 PDF (781.7 KB) | NT Health |
| Webpage | Protect your baby or toddler from mosquito bites | SA Health |
| Webpage | Murray Valley encephalitis | Health direct |
Contact
Contact the Public Health Unit’s Centre for Disease Control.
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