First Ross River virus cases detected in the South West 

The department’s managing scientist of environmental health hazards Dr Michael Lindsay said the mosquito and virus surveillance program had now detected the virus at coastal mosquito breeding sites in the South West.

Symptoms include painful or swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, fatigue and headaches. 

Symptoms can last for weeks or months and the only way to properly diagnose the viruses is by having a specific blood test. 

There is no cure for the virus so it is very important that people take care to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.

“Above average rainfall this spring has enabled breeding of mosquitoes in large numbers in many coastal and inland areas of the South West and Wheatbelt”, Dr Lindsay said.

Local government mosquito management programs have been underway since August in some areas and will continue in regions with a recognised risk of the virus.

“However, it is not realistic to rely on mosquito management programs to keep mosquitoes below nuisance levels, especially when unfavourable environmental conditions reduce the effectiveness of control methods,” Dr Lindsay said.

“Therefore, people need to take their own precautions to avoid mosquito bites.”

People living in or travelling to mosquito-affected areas in the South West of WA should take extra precautions, such as:

·         avoiding outdoor exposure particularly around dawn and dusk (and the first few hours after dark);

·         wearing protective (long, loose-fitting, light coloured) clothing when outdoors;

·         applying a personal repellent containing 20% diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin to exposed skin or clothing. The most effective and long-lasting formulations are lotions or gels.  Natural or organic repellents may not be as effective as DEET or picaridin, or may need to be reapplied more frequently;

·         ensuring insect screens are installed and in good condition. The use of bed nets will offer further protection;

·         using mosquito nets or mosquito-proof tents when camping or sleeping outdoors; and

·         ensuring infants and children are adequately protected against mosquito bites, preferably with suitable clothing, bed nets or other forms of insect screening.

With summer approaching, it is also a timely reminder for residents to minimise mosquito breeding around the home by taking some simple steps to remove or modify breeding sites.  Residents should:

·         Dispose of all containers which hold water;

·         Stock ornamental ponds with fish and keep vegetation away from the water’s edge;

·         Keep swimming pools well chlorinated, filtered and free of dead leaves;

·         Fill or drain depressions in the ground that hold water;

·         Fit mosquito proof covers to vent pipes on septic tank systems. Seal all gaps around the lid and ensure leach drains are completely covered;

·         Screen rainwater tanks with insect proof mesh, including inlet, overflow and inspection ports;

·         Ensure guttering does not hold water;

·         Empty pot plant drip trays once a week or fill them with sand; and

·         Empty and clean animal and pet drinking water bowls once a week.