Articles / Explainer: What is Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus?
writer
Principal Hospital Scientist, Department of Medical Entomology at NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital; Clinical Lecturer, University of Sydney
writer
Medical Entomologist, The University of Queensland
writer
Postdoctoral Fellow in Disease Ecology, The University of Queensland
These are activities that expand general practice knowledge, skills and attitudes, related to your scope of practice.
These are activities that require reflection on feedback about your work.
These are activities that use your work data to ensure quality results.
These are activities that expand general practice knowledge, skills and attitudes, related to your scope of practice.
These are activities that require reflection on feedback about your work.
These are activities that use your work data to ensure quality results.
Western Australian health authorities recently issued warnings about Murray Valley encephalitis, a serious disease that can spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and cause inflammation of the brain.
Thankfully, no human cases have been reported this wet season. The virus that causes the disease was detected in chickens in the Kimberley region. These “sentinel chickens” act as an early warning system for potential disease outbreaks.
Murray Valley encephalitis virus is named after the Murray Valley in southeastern Australia. The virus was first isolated from patients who died from encephalitis during an outbreak there in 1951.
The virus is a member of the Flavivirus family and is closely related to Japanese encephalitis virus, a major cause of encephalitis in Asia.
Murray Valley encephalitis virus is found in northern Australia circulating between mosquitoes, especially Culex annulirostris, and water birds. Occasionally the virus spreads to southern regions, as mosquitoes come into contact with infected birds that have migrated from northern regions.
GLP-1 Prescribing Expert Panel Discussion
Arrhythmia Management in Primary Care
Infant Allergy Cases
writer
Principal Hospital Scientist, Department of Medical Entomology at NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital; Clinical Lecturer, University of Sydney
writer
Medical Entomologist, The University of Queensland
writer
Postdoctoral Fellow in Disease Ecology, The University of Queensland
Yes, if the referral process involves meaningful collaboration with GPs
Yes
No
Listen to expert interviews.
Click to open in a new tab
Browse the latest articles from Healthed.
Once you confirm you’ve read this article you can complete a Patient Case Review to earn 0.5 hours CPD in the Reviewing Performance (RP) category.
Select ‘Confirm & learn‘ when you have read this article in its entirety and you will be taken to begin your Patient Case Review.