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The Department of Health is urging people living and holidaying in the north-east Kimberley to take extra care against mosquito bites.
The warning follows evidence of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus in the region.
Department of Health medical entomologist Mike Lindsay said the department's surveillance program (undertaken by The University of WA) had detected activity of the MVE virus for the first time this year.
"It is unusual for MVE virus to be active this late in the season without evidence of activity earlier in the wet", he said.
"However, we believe the recent activity has resulted from mosquito breeding following late rains in the region."
While the risk of being infected and becoming unwell is low, the illness can be severe and people should take sensible precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
No cases of MVE have been reported in WA so far this year.
One case of MVE was reported in 2006.
The warning particularly applies to people living, visiting or camping near swamp and river systems during the evening and night in the north-east Kimberley.
Dr Lindsay said the main type of mosquito that carried MVE virus was most active after sunset and through the night, so avoiding exposure to mosquitoes after dark was important.
"Initial symptoms of MVE include fever, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck, nausea and dizziness and people experiencing these symptoms should seek medical advice quickly," he said.
"In severe cases, people may experience fits, lapse into a coma, may be left with permanent brain damage or die.
"In young children, fever might be the only early sign, so parents should see their doctor if concerned, and particularly if their child experiences drowsiness, floppiness, irritability, poor feeding, or general distress."
Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses, which are also transmitted by mosquitoes, continue to be active in some areas of the Kimberley.
These viruses cause non-fatal but potentially debilitating diseases with persistent symptoms that include joint pains, rash, muscle aches, fever and lethargy.
There are no specific cures or vaccines for MVE, Ross River or Barmah Forest viruses so it is very important that people take care to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.
The Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley will conduct fogging to kill mosquitoes around Kununurra and Wyndham. |
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