Monday, April 12th, 2010
Mosquito-bourn virus detected
Courtesy Atlanta Commissioner Emma L Darnell
A mosquito-borne virus is present in the Kimberley this season, says the health department.
Mosquito expert Mike Lindsay warned newcomers to take precautions against Kunjin virus, which has symptoms similar to Ross River virus.
You can read the department’s media release here:
8 April 2010
Mosquito-borne disease risk in the north of WA
The Department of Health today urged people living and holidaying in the north of Western Australia to take extra care against mosquito bites, following detection of the mosquito-borne Kunjin virus for the first time this wet season.
The Environmental Health Hazards Managing Scientist, Dr Michael Lindsay said that the Department’s surveillance program (undertaken by The University of Western Australia) had detected activity of Kunjin virus in the Kimberley.
“Infection with Kunjin virus can cause symptoms that are similar to Ross River virus disease, such as swollen and aching joints, fever and rash.
“However, in rare cases it can cause more severe symptoms, including headache, neck stiffness, fever, delirium and coma.
“In young children, fever might be the only early sign, so parents should see their doctor if concerned, and particularly if their child experiences drowsiness, floppiness, irritability, poor feeding, or general distress.”
People most likely to be affected by Kunjin 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.
“Despite below average rainfall and relatively low numbers of mosquitoes in most areas of the Kimberley for this time of year, the surveillance results show that mosquitoes are still carrying mosquito-borne diseases, so it is important that people living or travelling in the north take particular care to avoid mosquito bites for the next few weeks,” Dr Lindsay said.
“Transmission of other mosquito-borne viruses is also continuing in the north, with 13 cases of Ross River virus disease and Barmah Forest virus disease reported from the Kimberley in the past three months,” he said.
“There are no specific cures or vaccines for Kunjin, Murray Valley Encephalitis, Ross River or Barmah Forest viruses so it is very important that people take care to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.”
This warning is particularly important for people living, visiting or camping near swamp and river systems during the evening and night through the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne regions.
However, the viruses may be active elsewhere in the north of the State, especially where mosquitoes are abundant.
Dr Lindsay said controlling mosquitoes in most rural regions of WA was generally not possible because of the large size and inaccessibility of natural mosquito breeding habitats.
“It is also important that communities prevent mosquitoes breeding in man-made sites around the home or workplace because these types of mosquitoes can also be disease carriers,” he said.
People do not need to alter their plans to visit the northern half of WA, but it is important to avoid mosquito bites by taking a few simple steps, such as:
- avoiding outdoor exposure from dusk and at 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
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