WA Health is urging residents and travellers to the South West to avoid mosquito bites after this season's first detection of Ross River virus (RRV) in mosquitoes.
The virus was detected as part of the Department of Health mosquito surveillance program.
Managing Scientist, Dr Andrew Jardine said the surveillance program is used as an early warning system so community alerts could be issued when mosquito-borne viruses are active in the environment.
"The alerts advise people of the increased risk of disease, and they can take appropriate protective measures to avoid mosquito bites," he said.
"Ross River virus is the most common mosquito-borne virus in WA and symptoms can be debilitating."
Dr Jardine said it was a timely reminder for people to check that their home is mosquito proof, and they wear appropriate clothing and effective repellent when going outdoors.
There have been 24 notifications of RRV reported in WA since July, with six cases from the South West region.
Symptoms of RRV include painful or swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, fatigue, headaches and rash lasting for weeks to months.
Barmah Forest virus (BFV) has also been detected in mosquitoes collected from the South West in recent weeks although no human cases have been notified from the region since May.
"There is no vaccine, cure or specific treatment for RRV or BFV so it is important that people take care to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes," Dr Jardine said.
Advice about mosquito avoidance is available via HealthyWA, and includes:
Cover up:
- Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.
- Ensure insect screens are installed and in good condition on houses and caravans.
- Use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents if sleeping outside.
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.
