Murray Valley encephalitis virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Western Australia’s Pilbara area for the primary time this yr.
Residents and travellers are urged to guard themselves towards mosquito bites.
It comes after an identical alert for the state’s Kimberley area.
Mosquito sampling supplies an early warning for mosquito-borne virus exercise, in accordance with the WA Well being Division.
Murray Valley encephalitis virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Western Australia’s Pilbara area for the primary time this yr (file image)Â
Managing scientist Andrew Jardine stated the latest exercise was not unusual in northern WA right now of yr.
‘The Pilbara group and travellers to the world can scale back their threat of MVE by defending themselves from mosquito bites’ Dr Jardine stated.
‘Fortunately, we have not had any group members contract MVE, however it’s best to stay alert.’
Signs embody fever, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck, nausea and dizziness.
Signs embody fever, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck, nausea and dizziness (file image)
Dr Jardine urged anybody with these signs after a mosquito chunk to hunt medical consideration.
‘Though the danger of being contaminated and turning into unwell is low, the sickness attributable to MVE could be extreme and even deadly,’ he stated.
‘Younger youngsters would possibly solely show a fever within the first occasion and fogeys ought to urgently see their physician or native well being service if their little one is experiencing drowsiness, floppiness or common misery.’
To keep away from mosquito bites folks ought to:
Keep away from being open air at daybreak and early night;Put on lengthy, unfastened becoming, light-coloured clothes;Apply an efficient private mosquito repellent;Guarantee insect screens are put in and in good situation on homes and caravans;Use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents if sleeping outdoors; andKeep grass and different vegetation quick round your private home.
