Published on Tuesday, 9 April 2024 at 4:10:41 PM
Residents and travellers are urged to protect themselves against mosquito bites, following detection of Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) in the Pilbara region for the first time in 2024.
Mosquito sampling is a used as an early warning system for mosquito-borne virus activity, and this warning for the Pilbara follows recent similar alerts of MVEV activity in the Kimberley region.
Individuals are encouraged to help prevent mosquito bites by following these steps:
✔️ 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.
✔️ 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.
✔️ Ensure insect screens are installed and in good condition on houses and caravans.
✔️ Use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents if sleeping outside.
✔️ Keep grass and other vegetation short to help prevent mosquitoes around your home.
The Environmental Health Team have increased the larviciding of the towns in the Shire of Ashburton and have increased the surveillance for the detection of any disease.
For more information, including further MVE symptoms and mosquito prevention tips, visit www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/
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