Authorities have issued warnings for people in parts of Western Australia to avoid mosquito bites after Murray Valley encephalitis virus was detected in local mosquitoes. Here’s what you need to know.
Authorities have issued warnings for people in parts of Western Australia to avoid mosquito bites after Murray Valley encephalitis virus was detected in local mosquitoes. Here’s what you need to know.
Mosquitoes can transmit a range of viruses that can cause disease including Japanese encephalitis (JE), Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, Murray Valley encephalitis and West Nile/Kunjin virus. The Ethnic Council has free supplies of mosquito repellent.
Experts say record-breaking floods in Australia are allowing mosquitoes to thrive, increasing the risk of spreading diseases like the Ross River virus, Barmah Forest Virus and Murray Valley Encephalitis.
Mosquitoes need stagnant water. Immature insects emerge from eggs and develop underwater until they become pupae, and then adults. Females require blood before laying eggs and can inject saliva and virus into humans when they bite.
After a flood or heavy rainfall, mosquitoes grow and spread in the pools of water left behind. Mosquitoes can carry diseases and spread it by biting you.