Unseasonal Ross River virus activity in the South West

The Department of Health is reminding residents and travellers in the South West of Western Australia, including the Peel region, to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites over the coming months.

The warning follows multiple detections of Ross River virus (RRV) in mosquitoes in the South West for the first time this year. The timing is unusual, as mosquito and mosquito-borne virus activity is often reduced in the winter months.

Despite the warning, there is no need to alter any travel plans to the South West. Individuals living or traveling in the region are encouraged to take the following precautions to prevent mosquito bites:

Avoid outdoor exposure, particularly at dawn and early evening Wear protective (long, loose-fitting, light-coloured) clothing when outdoors Apply an effective personal repellent containing diethyltoluamide (DEET) or picaridin evenly to all areas of exposed skin and always follow the label instructions Ensure infants and children are adequately protected against mosquito bites, preferably with suitable clothing, bed nets or other forms of insect screening Remove water-holding containers from around the home and garden to ensure mosquitoes do not breed in your own backyard Use mosquito coils and mosquito lanterns and apply barrier sprays containing bifenthrin in patio and outdoor areas around houses Ensure insect screens are installed and in good condition on houses and caravans Use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents if sleeping outside.

For more information about mosquito prevention visit HealthyWA .