What Is Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus
Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus (MVE) fever is a generally mild, limited viral infection. In a small number of cases, the infection may cause encephalitis (swelling and inflammation of the brain).
How Do You Get Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus?
Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus is transmitted only by infected mosquitoes. The virus is not transmitted person to person.
Susceptibility and Resistance
All persons are susceptible. Recovery is generally universal and followed by long-lasting immunity. Adults living in areas where MVE is common are generally immune due to unapparent infections acquired in childhood. Second attacks do not occur.
What Are The Symptoms?
The majority of the infections do not cause any symptoms. Some infections (about 1 in 800 cases) may produce mild fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. In a small number of cases, the infection may cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) with high fever, severe headache, lethargy, drowsiness, altered mental state, tremors and sometimes convulsions. Up to 25 percent of the severe cases may die. Survivors may have permanent neurological impairment.
Preventative Measures
Avoiding mosquito bites is the best way to prevent this infection. To reduce risk of exposure to mosquito bites, use insect repellent, use permethrin-impregnated bed nets when it is not possible to sleep in screened or air conditioned facilities, and wear protective clothing.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for this self-limited disease other than therapy of symptoms and supportive treatment for severe cases of encephalitis.
Where Does It Commonly Occur?
This virus is found only in northern Australia and Papua New Guinea.
