ALL three people confirmed to have contracted Murray Valley encephalitis this year have died, the Victorian Health Department has revealed.
Victorian residents, particularly those in the northern part of the state, have been urged to protect themselves from mosquitoes to avoid catching the virus, which can develop into meningitis or encephalitis.
The Health Department on Wednesday confirmed the death of a man in his 70s.
Two women aged in their 60s died last month. One was in Buloke Shire and the other is believed to have been exposed to infected mosquitoes in the Greater Bendigo area, but also spent time in Swan Hill during her acquisition period.
The department said the man in his 70s was in the Shire of Campaspe and died earlier this month.
The Health Department is investigating an unspecified number of other suspected cases.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Professor Brett Sutton, urged Victorians to do everything they could to remain safe from the virus.
"These additional cases show mosquito-borne viruses are continuing to circulate, especially in northern Victoria," he said.
"We’ve seen cases of mosquito-borne viruses this season in people visiting the Murray Valley, so we’re taking this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of protecting themselves from mosquito bites."
Murray Valley encephalitis virus and West Nile (Kunjin) virus have been detected in mosquitoes in several municipalities in northern Victoria, including Mildura, this mosquito season.
Prior to this year, the last human cases of Murray Valley encephalitis were detected in Victoria in 1974.
These viruses can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the central nervous system and are spread to humans by infected mosquitoes.
Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches, although most infected people do not have symptoms. In serious cases, people can develop meningitis or encephalitis, which can be fatal.
"We urge anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek urgent medical care, given the long-term or potentially fatal complications of serious illness," Professor Sutton said.
Victoria has also recorded one confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis this mosquito season.
Additional information about Murray Valley encephalitis is available on the Better Health Channel.- Sarah Buchecker