Infection hazard

An additional case of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) has been confirmed in Western Australia, according to health officials last week.The adult was most likely to have been exposed to infected mosquitoes while travelling from the Pilbara through coastal parts of the West Kimberley in late April/early May.The case is receiving care in hospital.This is the fourth confirmed case of MVE reported in WA since 2018 and the third reported this year. Throughout Australia, there have been 14 confirmed cases of MVE in 2023.Department of Health Managing Scientist Dr Andrew Jardine said, “while the risk of getting infected and becoming sick was low, the illness caused by MVE could be severe and even deadly. A Western Australian child has died from MVE this year.”“Parents should see their doctor or local health service if concerned, particularly if their child experiences drowsiness, floppiness, irritability, poor feeding or general distress,” he said.