A woman in her 60s died in late February and a man in his 70s is receiving treatment in hospital, Victoria’s Department of Health said.
The woman was most likely exposed to infected mosquitoes in Greater Bendigo, but also spent time in Swan Hill during her acquisition period.
The man was potentially exposed to infected mosquitoes in Campaspe Shire.
The cases follow the death of a woman in her 60s who lived in the Buloke Shire in the state’s north-west in early February.
A total of three cases of the virus and two deaths have been reported in Victoria this mosquito season.
A number of suspected cases are under investigation, the department said.
There is no vaccine against Murray Valley encephalitis, and the virus is known to be circulating in mosquito populations in northern Victoria.
It can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the central nervous system, and people in northern Victoria are being urged to reduce their risk of mosquito bites.
“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,” Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said.
“People can do this by wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, using insect repellents, removing stagnant water around homes or properties, and avoiding the outdoors when mosquitoes are observed, especially at dusk and dawn.
“We urge anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek urgent medical care, given the long-term or potentially fatal complications of serious illness.”
More tips on protecting yourself from mosquito-borne diseases are available at betterhealth.vic.gov.au
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