Mosquito warning to travellers and community members in northern WA

The following media release has been issued by the Department of Health.

The Department of Health has issued a health alert to protect against mosquito bites, particularly for people living in, or planning to travel to northern regions of Western Australia.

This alert follows an ongoing elevated mosquito-borne disease risk across a wide area of northern Western Australia, particularly in the Pilbara, Kimberley, Gascoyne and Midwest regions.

So far in 2024, four cases of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) have been reported, including two cases acquired in the Pilbara region who sadly passed away.

Department of Health Acting Managing Scientist, Dr Jay Nicholson, said protection against mosquito bites was the best defence against MVE and other mosquito-borne viruses. 

“We anticipate an increase in travellers to the higher-risk northern regions in coming weeks, and I urge travellers to prepare accordingly,” Dr Nicholson said. 

“Consider some of the basic steps prior to your travel, such as packing effective repellent and long, loose-fitting clothing for everyone in the family.

“Residents and workers are also urged to protect themselves, particularly when spending long periods of time outdoors.”

Initial symptoms of MVE include fever, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck, nausea and dizziness. People experiencing these symptoms should seek medical advice as soon as possible. 

In young children, fever might be the only early sign of infection and parents should see their doctor or local health service urgently if concerned, particularly if their child experiences drowsiness, floppiness, irritability, poor feeding, or general distress.

Protect yourself and your family from the risk of mosquito-borne diseases by following these steps: 

Cover up: 

• Avoid being outdoors at dawn and early evening when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long, loose fitting, light-coloured clothing.
• Dress babies and children in suitable clothing, including socks/shoes, and use bed/pram netting.
• Ensure insect screens are installed and in good condition on houses and caravans.
• Use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents if sleeping outside.

Repel:

• Apply an effective personal mosquito repellent containing diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (also known as PMD) evenly to all areas of exposed skin and always follow the label instructions.

Clean up:

• Keep grass and other vegetation short to help prevent mosquitoes around your home.
• Empty or remove water holding containers around your home.

For more information, including further MVE symptoms and mosquito bite prevention tips, visit HealthyWA.