Two deaths from a mosquito-borne virus in an outback town have prompted a warning for people to cover up and use insect repellent.
Northern Territory health authorities on Tuesday confirmed two people had died from Murray Valley encephalitis, a rare virus that can be potentially fatal after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito.
The deaths occurred in Alice Springs in April and May respectively, an NT Health spokesperson said.
Transmission of the virus in the NT is most frequent between February and June, with most cases occurring between March and May.
Significant rainfall this year has increased the risk.
Health authorities undertake mosquito surveillance and testing across the Top End for the virus from January to June each year.
