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New Murray Valley encephalitis case prompts warning. 14 July 2023
New Murray Valley encephalitis case prompts mosquito warning for the KimberleyPlease note: to respect the privacy of patients, no further identifying information will be provided.A traveller is in a metropolitan hospital after being infected with Murray Valley encephalitis, as WA records its worst season for the virus in 12 years.The Department of Health is urging residents and travellers in the Kimberley region to take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites following unseasonal rainfall an
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25th Jul 2023
Virus detection sparks mosquito warning for the Kimberley - WA Health
Kimberley residents and travellers are being urged to protect themselves against mosquito bites, following the first Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) detection in the region this year.The Department of Health warning follows MVE virus being found in sentinel chicken flocks in the east Kimberley during the wet season.Sentinel chickens are used to monitor and provide an early warning system for mosquito-borne virus activity.WA Health’s Managing Scientist – Biological Hazards Dr Andrew Jardine said
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22nd Feb 2023
Mosquito-borne disease risk increases
Mosquito-borne disease risk increases for river communities facing third La NiñaMosquito numbers and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases are likely to increase this spring and summer in river communities as La Nia brings wet conditions to large parts of the country.
Key points:
The CSIRO says wet and warm conditions are leading to an increase in mosquito numbersAuthorities are concerned about the potential spread of Japanese Encephalitis VirusPeople are advised to use insect repellent, wear lo
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10th Oct 2022
What makes mosquito bites itch, what to do about it and why the bloodsuckers are more attracted to certain people
If you’ve ever been bitten by a mosquito, you know how frustrating their bites can be.The little red bumps swell up almost immediately, creating an itch that once you start scratching only seems to get worse. The more you scratch, the more they itch - starting a vicious cycle that can leave you irritated, sore and covered in red bumps.Some people seem to be mosquito magnets - the insects flock to them wherever they are, leaving bites in any exposed flesh - while others are left relatively unscat
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7th Sep 2022
Murray Valley encephalitis warning for Kimberley region
Residents and travellers in the Kimberley region are being urged to take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites after Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) was reported in an individual residing in the West Kimberley.Department of Health Acting Managing Scientist, Craig Brockway, said this was the first human case of MVE reported in Western Australia since 2018. The patient is now recovering.“Murray Valley encephalitis virus is carried by mosquitoes, and while the risk of being infected and becomi
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2nd Aug 2022