WA Health has reported that an adult who contracted Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) has sadly died.
It’s likely the person was recently exposed to infected mosquitoes while travelling in the West Kimberley region.
Department of Health surveillance programs continue to detect MVE activity across the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, indicating the risk is still current in northern WA.
Managing Scientist, Dr Andrew Jardine, said MVE was a rare but serious and potentially fatal mosquito-borne illness.
“The wet season in northern WA, and the period immediately after it, are the highest risk time for mosquito‑borne virus activity,” Dr Jardine said.
“We urge residents and visitors to the Pilbara and Kimberley to take extra care to avoid mosquito bites during this period of increased risk, which can extend into July.
“There is currently no vaccine for MVE. The only way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.”
People should be alert for early symptoms of MVE, which can include severe headache, difficulty speaking or confused speech, fever, drowsiness, neck stiffness, nausea, and dizziness.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care as soon as possible. In more severe cases, individuals may experience seizures, fall into a coma, suffer permanent brain damage or die.
In young children, fever may be the only early sign of infection. Parents and carers should seek medical advice promptly if they are concerned, particularly if a child shows drowsiness, seizures, floppiness, irritability, poor feeding or general distress.
The Repel, Prevent, Protect program rolled out in 2025, includes free mosquito repellent in key locations such as the Pilbara and Kimberley, where the risk of mosquito bites is highest.
Appropriate steps to protect against mosquitoes are available via HealthyWA, and include:
Cover up:
- Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.
- Dress children appropriately (including protecting feet) and use pram netting.
- Ensure insect screens are installed and in good condition on houses and caravans.
- Use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents if sleeping outside.
Repel:
- Apply an effective personal mosquito repellent containing diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (also known as PMD) evenly to all areas of exposed skin and always follow the label instructions.
- Do not confuse Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus with eucalyptus oil and other botanicals that do not provide sufficient protection.
Clean up:
- Keep grass and other vegetation short to help prevent mosquitoes around your home.
- Empty or remove water holding containers around your home.
For more information on MVE, including prevention, visit: Murray Valley encephalitis and Kunjin viruses
Media contact: (08) 9222 4333
ENDS