The kid died from Murray Valley encephalitis, an unusual however probably deadly illness that happens after being bitten by an contaminated mosquito, within the Huge Rivers area.
NT Well being mentioned the loss of life is one in every of two current instances of Murray Valley encephalitis within the area – each being in infants.
There have been 4 instances of Murray Valley encephalitis within the High Finish this 12 months.
The loss of life and rise in instances have sparked a warning for Territorians and vacationers to guard themselves and youngsters from mosquitoes.
Murray Valley encephalitis will be deadly in about 30 per cent of instances.
“The signs of MVE embrace extreme complications, excessive fever, drowsiness, tremor, seizures (particularly in younger kids), and in some instances the illness can progress to delirium, coma, everlasting mind injury or loss of life,” NT Well being mentioned.
The one approach to forestall the illness is by avoiding mosquito bites.
NT Well being urges folks to make use of protecting repellants, put on protecting clothes and keep away from outside publicity round nightfall, daybreak and at night time in areas with dense vegetation.
The authority additionally advises utilizing mosquito coils, lanterns or barrier sprays in outside spots and mosquito-proof nettings over prams and strollers.
