Mosquito-borne disease risk in the Kimberley
The Department of Health today urged people living and holidaying in the Kimberley region of Western Australia to take extra care against mosquito bites, following detection of the potentially fatal mosquito-borne Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus for the first time this season.
The Department of Health’s surveillance program (undertaken by The University of Western Australia) has detected activity of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus in several locations in the Kimberley. Kunjin virus also continues to be detected.
Department of Health Medical Entomologist Sue Harrington said rainfall during May had resulted in populations of biting mosquitoes that could be carrying these viruses.
"Murray Valley encephalitis virus and Kunjin virus are both carried by mosquitoes, and while the risk of being infected and becoming unwell is low, the illnesses can be severe and people should take sensible precautions to avoid mosquito bites," Ms Harrington said.
"Initial symptoms of MVE include fever, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck, nausea and dizziness and people experiencing these symptoms should seek medical advice quickly. 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.
"Infection with Kunjin virus can cause symptoms that are similar to Ross River virus disease, such as swollen and aching joints, fever and rash. However in rare cases, Kunjin, like MVE, can cause more severe symptoms which include headache, neck stiffness, fever, delirium and coma."
Ms Harrington said people most likely to be affected by MVE or Kunjin virus were newcomers to affected regions, such as babies, young children, tourists or new employees, but anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical advice quickly.
"Transmission of other mosquito-borne viruses is also continuing in the north, with 13 cases of Ross River virus disease and Barmah Forest virus disease reported from the Kimberley in the past three months," she said.
"There are no specific cures or vaccines for MVE, Kunjin, Ross River or Barmah Forest viruses so it is very important that people take care to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes."
The warning particularly applies to people undertaking outdoor activities during the evening and night in coastal and inland areas of the Kimberley region, but also in other parts of the northwest if mosquitoes are abundant.
Ms Harrington said controlling mosquitoes in most rural regions of WA was generally not possible because of the large size and inaccessibility of natural mosquito breeding habitat.
People do not need to alter their plans to visit the Kimberley region, but it is important to avoid mosquito bites by taking a few simple steps, such as:
- avoiding outdoor exposure from dusk and at night
- wearing protective (long, loose-fitting) clothing when outdoors
- using a personal repellent containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin. The most effective and long-lasting formulations are lotions or gels. Most natural or organic repellents are not as effective as DEET or picaridin
- ensuring insect screens are installed and completely mosquito-proof: use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents
- ensuring infants and children are adequately protected against mosquito bites, preferably with suitable clothing, bed nets or other forms of insect screening.
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