Territorians and visitors to the Top End are being urged to take protection against Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVE), which has been detected in mosquitoes collected around northern Darwin suburbs and Greater Darwin areas.
MVE is a serious mosquito-borne disease that can be transmitted after being bitten by a mosquito with the MVE virus. Symptoms include severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, muscle aches, drowsiness, confusion and seizures.
Mosquito numbers are expected to increase, as water sources reduce in the dry season, leaving isolated pools where mosquitoes can breed in high numbers. They are most active after sundown, at night and early in the morning.
To protect against MVE, people should:
- Apply insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD)
- Wear light coloured protective clothing, and also cover your feet
- Ensure that tents are mosquito proof when camping
- Ensure infants and children are adequately protected
- Stay away from mosquito prone areas, especially after sundown
- Use mosquito coils, or mosquito lanterns using insecticide treated pads for patios and verandas
MVE is a rare but potentially fatal disease, with 46 cases recorded in the NT since surveillance began in 1974.
Eight cases were recorded in 2023 during an MVE outbreak, which included two fatalities, with another two people suffering from severe impairment.
NT Health carried out mosquito control across 35ha of breeding areas in the Leanyer and Micket swamps in late April 2026.
NT Health undertakes mosquito testing with Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories from January to June each year as this is the high-risk period for MVE.
For more information, visit Murray Valley encephalitis | NT.GOV.AU.
