Upgraded warning on mosquito-borne disease in the Kimberley and Pilbara

Zitat

Department of Health
Government of Western Australia

Public Affairs
Media Statement

29 April 2008

Upgraded warning on mosquito-borne disease in the Kimberley and Pilbara

The Department of Health is reminding people living and holidaying in Western Australia’s north to continue to take care against mosquito bites following the death of a Kimberley resident from Murray Valley encephalitis.

Acting Medical Entomologist Sue Harrington said while the Department had issued warnings for the Kimberley and Pilbara regions in March and early April, this was the first case of MVE in WA this season.

“MVE virus is carried by mosquitoes and, although rare, infection can be fatal or cause severe illness, so it is important that people take precautions to avoid bites from mosquitoes that bred after heavy rains in March,” she 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, and 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 is drowsy, floppy, irritable, feeding poorly or is generally distressed.

”People most likely to be affected by the MVE virus are newcomers to affected regions, such as babies, young children, tourists or new employees, but anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical advice quickly.”

Ms Harrington said although the northern wet season was nearly over, the Department was also continuing to receive notifications of Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus disease.

“There are no specific cures or vaccines for MVE, Ross River or Barmah Forest virus infections so it is very important that people take care to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes, she said.

The warning particularly applies to people living, visiting or camping near swamp and river systems during the evening and night throughout the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.

However, the viruses may be active elsewhere in the north of the State, especially where 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 or Pilbara but it is important to avoid mosquito bites by taking a few simple steps, such as:
? avoiding outdoor exposure from dusk and during the 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.

The University of Western Australia will continue to monitor the activity of MVE virus in the region as part of its ongoing surveillance program.

Media contact: (08) 9222 4333

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