We all know mosquitoes can be a nuisance, but some can spread serious diseases when they bite.

South Australians are warned to avoid exposure to mosquitoes, following the detection of the potentially deadly Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus and Kunjin virus during routine monitoring.

The Department for Health and Wellbeing’s Acting Executive Director of Health Protection and Licensing Services, Dr Fay Jenkins, said a sentinel chicken, one of five chickens in a surveillance flock based near Meningie, has tested positive to both Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus (MVEv) and Kunjin virus.

“We know there has been an increase in the number of mosquitoes present along the Murray River this season, however, the detection of MVEv and Kunjin virus is an even stronger reminder for all South Australians to be vigilant in their fight against mosquito bites across the State,” Dr Jenkins says.

“Many people infected with MVEv are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms such as fever, headache and nausea.

“Although only a few people who become infected with MVEv will develop more serious symptoms which may include confusion, headaches, neck stiffness, tremors, drowsiness and seizures, for those who do, it can be very serious and is fatal in about 20 per cent of cases. For those who survive, about 40 per cent of people will suffer permanent neurological damage.

“There is no vaccine and no cure for mosquito borne diseases transmitted in South Australia, and the only way of preventing disease is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

“To protect against mosquito borne diseases, we are encouraging people to ‘fight the bite’ and take precautions such as wearing long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing and use a repellent which contains DEET or picaridin.

“People should also reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitos by proofing their homes and by removing any potential breeding sites on their properties.”

As part of SA Health and local council’s mosquito borne disease monitoring program, six flocks of sentinel chickens are maintained in strategic locations along the Murray River in South Australia and are routinely tested for viruses spread by mosquitoes.