Victorian Health authorities said the woman in her 60s, from the Buloke Shire in the state's northwest, contracted the virus in January. 

Victoria has recorded its first human case and death from Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) since 1974, after a woman died from the virus earlier this month. 

Health authorities initially thought the woman aged in her 60s had been infected with another mosquito-borne virus, Japanese encephalitis.

However, further testing revealed she had died from MVE. 

She is believed to have contracted the virus in the state's northwest at either the Buloke Shire or Swan Hill, in January. 

Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton reminded Victorians, particularly those in the state's north, to take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites. 

“People should continue to be vigilant and take steps to avoid mosquito bites – especially in northern Victoria, where Murray Valley encephalitis virus and other mosquito-borne diseases are known to be circulating,” Prof Sutton said.

“Simple precautions include 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.”

MVE is transmitted to humans from infected mosquitos and can potentially cause severe neurological illness or death. 

A small proportion of the population may experience symptoms including fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, and muscle aches.

To help protect against mosquito-borne viruses, health authorities recommend:

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