WA Health's mosquito surveillance program has detected Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV) in mosquitoes at multiple locations across the Kimberley region.
Managing Scientist, Dr Andrew Jardine said the Department of Health's surveillance program in northern WA acts as an early warning system for mosquito-borne virus activity.
"It's important that individuals heed community alerts, which are only made when increased virus activity is detected," Dr Jardine said.
"While these two viruses are not considered deadly, they can be debilitating, causing painful or swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, fatigue, headaches and rash lasting for weeks to months."
Mosquitoes in northern WA can also transmit the rare but more serious Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) and Japanese encephalitis (JEV) viruses, however no human infection cases of either virus have been detected yet this season.
Dr Jardine said people living in, or travelling to the north of WA will see more mosquito activity at this time of year.
"December to June is when mosquitoes are particularly active in northern WA, which increases the risk of exposure to a range of serious mosquito-borne viruses.
"People need to take precautions as there is currently no vaccine against RRV, BFV or MVE. However, a vaccine against JEV is available for Kimberley residents."
The Repel, Prevent, Protect program rolled out in 2025, includes free mosquito repellent in key locations such as the Kimberley where the risk of mosquito bites is highest.
While the Department collaborates with local government to minimise the impacts of mosquitoes through mosquito management and the repellent stations, Dr Jardine said it is not realistic to rely on these programs to control all mosquitoes.
"The simplest way to prevent infection with any mosquito-borne virus is to avoid being bitten - remember to Fight the Bite!
"Check your screen doors, window coverings and camping gear to ensure they are all mosquito proof. It is also important to wear protective clothing and an effective repellent when heading outdoors."
Avoid mosquito bites by following these steps:
Cover up:
- Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.
- Ensure insect screens are installed and in good condition on houses, tents and caravans.
- Use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents if sleeping outside.
- Use pram netting to keep mosquitoes away from babies and infants.
Repel:
- 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.
- Do not confuse Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus with eucalyptus oil and other botanicals that do not provide sufficient protection.
Clean up:
- Keep grass and other vegetation short to help prevent mosquitoes around your home.
- Empty or remove water holding containers around your home.
