UPSCpedia: Scienopedia - Murray Valley Encephalitis

• Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) is an infection caused by a flavivirus   that belongs to the virus family Flaviviridae.
• MVE virus is   mainly spread by the common banded mosquito (Culex annulirostris).   

  • The rufous night heron (gulina, baularri) and other water birds   are thought to be the main hosts for MVE.
• MVE infections   cause encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.
• MVE is a Nationally   Notifiable Disease.
• The virus that causes MVE is enzootic   (constantly present in certain animals)
• MVE occurs in   Australia and Papua New Guinea.
• It is common   for infected people to have asymptomatic infections (not feel sick).   

  • Infections can be mild, moderate, severe or fatal.
• It takes from   7-14 days for symptoms to start after being bitten by an infected   mosquito.
• Babies, children,   the elderly and new residents are most at risk of developing the   more severe infection

   

  Transmission of Murray Valley Encephalitis: