Health warning as killer disease spreads to new part of Australia
Easter travelers and locals have been warned to protect themselves from a potentially fatal disease circulating in Western Australia.
Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) was found for the first time this year in mosquitoes and chickens in the Kimberley region.
WA Health is urging locals and visitors to protect themselves from mosquito bites as MVE is a serious and potentially fatal disease.
The warning comes after significant MVE activities in the area last year resulted in the death of a child.
Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) was found for the first time this year in mosquitoes and chickens in the Kimberley region
Symptoms include fever, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck, nausea, and dizziness, although fever may be the only sign of an early infection in children.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek urgent medical advice.
Managing scientist Andrew Jardine said many people were bitten while fishing and camping.
He encouraged people to pack an effective repellent.
‘Ross River and Murray Valley encephalitis viruses are only spread by mosquitoes – so the message is simple: protect yourself from being bitten,’ Dr Jardine said.
‘Although the risk of becoming infected and becoming ill is low, the illness caused by the virus can be serious in some cases.’
Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and early evening, so people are encouraged to stay indoors during those times.
Long, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing is also recommended, while babies and children should also wear appropriate clothing, including socks and shoes.
The installation of nets for beds and pushchairs is also encouraged, as are fly screens on houses and caravans and the use of effective mosquito repellents containing diethyloluamide, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil (also known as PMD).
Keeping grass and other vegetation short is another way to keep mosquitoes away from homes.
It comes as other mosquito-borne diseases have also been reported in the region, including a spike in Ross River virus (RRV) cases in humans and an increase in detections in mosquitoes.
Japanese encephalitis (JE) was also discovered in WA last year and remains a potential risk in northern WA.
JE is preventable by vaccination, unlike MVE and RRV.