The Department of Health has issued a public health alert after a significant increase in the risk of serious mosquito-borne disease.
The alert follows the detection of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Kunjin and Japanese encephalitis (JE) viruses across a wide area of the State, including a case of MVE in the Kimberley that resulted in a death.
Managing Scientist at the Department, Andrew Jardine said a significant increase in the activity of the MVE, JE and Kunjin family of viruses has been detected across much of the State through the Department’s Sentinel Chicken surveillance program.
This included recent detections in the Midwest and Wheatbelt regions.
“MVE, Kunjin, Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV) were also detected in mosquito samples recently collected in the east Kimberley region and there has also been a significant increase in cases of RRV and BFV in Kimberley in recent weeks,” Dr Jardine (pictured) said.
“These viruses are transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito and could cause serious disease in some cases,” he said.
He said many people would be travelling over the school holidays and it was important to pack an effective repellent and long, loose-fitting clothing for everyone in the family.
“Residents are also urged to protect themselves, particularly when spending long periods of time outdoors, such as camping or fishing,” Dr Jardine said.
“While the risk of being infected and becoming unwell is low, the resulting illness can include serious neurological symptoms. In the case of MVE or JE, this may result in permanent brain damage or even be fatal.”
