Two people have died from Murray Valley encephalitis in Alice Springs over the past two months, prompting Northern Territory Department of Health to issue a territory-wide warning. The rare but potentially fatal virus is spread by infected mosquitoes and is most common in the Northern Territory between February and June. Health officials said the deaths occurred in April and May and urged residents and visitors to protect themselves by using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, wearing long, light-coloured clothing, and avoiding mosquito-prone areas after sunset. Significant rainfall across the territory has created ideal breeding conditions, leading authorities to expand the risk area to all parts of the Northern Territory. Mosquito numbers are expected to remain high in the Top End until late July, while cooler overnight temperatures should gradually reduce mosquito activity in Central Australia and the Barkly region.