About this topic
Murray Valley encephalitis is also called MVE. It is an infection that affects the brain and nervous system. It may cause swelling of the brain. This swelling is called encephalitis. Swelling may also cause other brain damage or paralysis. MVE is passed on by mosquitoes. The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on animals that have this illness. MVE is a rare illness and is possibly deadly. It is most serious in infants and older adults. It can also affect healthy people. ‚
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What are the causes?
This infection is caused by a germ. It is often found in birds like herons and pelicans. Some kinds of animals may also have this infection. The birds and animals pass on the germ to the mosquito when it feeds on them. The mosquito carries the germ and may give it to other birds and humans. A person cannot pass this illness to another person. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Living in and traveling to places in Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea
- Rainy season
- Flooded places
What are the main signs?
Signs most often start 8 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. ‚
Mild signs: ‚
- High fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or above
- Headache
- Upset stomach and throwing up
Severe signs: ‚
- Worsening of any of the mild signs
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Seizure
- Sensitive to light
- Changes in behavior
- Trouble speaking
- Trouble controlling movements
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and ask about your history. The doctor may ask about any recent travel to Australia or New Guinea. You may need to have some tests to check for infection. You may need to have: ‚
- Blood tests
- MRI scan
- Lumbar puncture
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
There is no specific treatment for MVE. People with a mild case of MVE most often make a full recovery. Serious cases of MVE may lead to more problems. You may need to be in the hospital. Then, you can have help with your breathing, I.V. fluids or nutrition, and nursing care. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
Very bad cases of MVE may cause you to have meningitis and other nervous system problems. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Stop the spread of the infection
- Lower fever
- Control pain and swelling
- Control problems like seizure and low body fluids
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Get rid of areas where mosquitoes like to breed.
- Empty unused swimming pools.
- Dump out water that may collect in tires, buckets, or containers.
- Clean or unclog roof gutters.
- Clear your yard of dead trees to remove insects that live in them.
- Protect yourself.
- Use mosquito repellent on your skin.
- Wear clothes that will cover your arms and legs.
- Avoid unnecessary activities outside your house.
- Place wire screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from going in.
- Sleep under a mosquito net.
Where can I learn more?
Government of Western Australia Department of Health ‚
http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/cproot/1443/2/MVE%202010.pdf ‚
Public Health Agency of Canada ‚
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/lab-bio/res/psds-ftss/arbovirus-eng.php ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚