North West residents are being warned to cover up against mosquitos following a recent case of Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE).

Dr Kate Murton of the Public Health Unit said awareness of the disease and taking basic steps to avoid mosquito bites are the most important preventative measures to safeguard your health.

"This is the first case of MVE that we have seen in the region for some years,” Dr Murton explained.

“We have had one case of MVE in a man from Normanton who is currently receiving care in the Townsville University Hospital.”

The mosquito that transmits this virus is the common bush mosquito, Culex annulirostris, which is most active after sundown, between dusk and dawn.

"People most at risk include campers and caravaners and young children, and those residing within five kilometres of large coastal and sub-coastal flood plains and swamps,” Dr Murton said.

“People in small or remote communities and anyone visiting parks and recreation areas where mosquitos may be active are also at greater risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease."

Dr Murton said it was a timely reminder for residents to protect themselves and their families by limiting exposure to mosquito bites. “Mosquitos carry a range of viruses such as MVE and Japanese Encephalitis virus, and so avoiding mosquito bites is the best protection against these viruses.”

“When you are outside or in the bush, wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing and cover your feet.

“Also use insect repellent with diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin when going outside, and make sure to cover all exposed skin – rub it in the same as you would with suncream.

“Use mosquito-proof accommodation when camping, and avoid outdoor exposure after sundown, especially when near areas of dense vegetation, and other areas of high mosquito activity.

“Fix insect screens to make sure no mosquitos can get in. MVE is a very rare disease, with only 1 in 1000 people exposed developing severe disease.

“However, for those that do have severe disease, it can be fatal. The symptoms can include severe headache, high fever, drowsiness, tremor, seizures (especially in young children) and in some cases the disease can progress to delirium, coma, permanent brain damage or death,” said Dr Murton.

People experiencing the early symptoms of MVE such as severe headache and fevers, should seek urgent medical attention.

“Protecting yourself and your family from being bitten by mosquitos is the best way to avoid this rare but very serious disease” Dr Murton said.