Murray Valley Encephalitis
Murray Valley Encephalitis is recognized in parts of Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea. The disease is cause by a virus in the Japanese encephalitis (JE) family. The encephalitis is transmitted by bite of infected mosquitoes. Host is principally large water birds.
Manifestations: Acute inflammatory disease of short duration involving brain, spinal cord and meninges characterized:
- Acute onset
- Headache
- High fever
- Rigidity
- Stupor
- Coma
- Convulsions
- Paralysis
- Up to 60% case fatality rate
- No asymptomatic infections have been recorded.
Diagnosis and treatment: The disease can be identified by taking a blood test. There is no specific treatment only supportive help.
Prevent Murray valley encephalitis by:
- Avoid bites from mosquitoes
- Use insect repellant
- Sleep in air-conditioned rooms where possible
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