Ross River virus warning for 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 additional precautions to prevent mosquito bites over the coming months.

The warning follows an increase in the detection of Ross River virus (RRV) in mosquitoes collected from the South West.

While there is no need to alter 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. Ensure insect screens are installed and in good condition on houses and caravans. 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. Use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents if sleeping outside.

Visit HealthyWA  for more information about mosquito prevention.