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🇦🇺 Australia /Health & Science

Person dies after contracting rare mosquito-borne disease in WA

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • One person has died in Western Australia from a rare mosquito-borne virus, Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE).
  • The adult was likely exposed to the virus in the West Kimberley region in early May, with symptoms developing weeks later.
  • Health officials urge residents and travelers in northern WA to protect themselves from mosquito bites, as the risk period extends into July.

Western Australia's Health Department confirmed a death resulting from a rare mosquito-borne virus, Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE). The adult victim likely contracted the illness in the West Kimberley region, approximately 2,000 kilometers north of Perth, in early May.

Andrew Jardine, managing scientist for the Health Department, stated that symptoms can take several weeks to appear, indicating that the risk of exposure may still be present. "Early to mid-May would be the most likely exposure time, but that is probably indicating that there is still a virus risk there even now," he said.

Early to mid-May would be the most likely exposure time, but that is probably indicating that there is still a virus risk there even now.

— Andrew JardineAndrew Jardine, managing scientist for the WA Health Department, discussed the likely timing of the infection and ongoing risk.

MVE is endemic to northern WA and is transmitted to humans via infected mosquitoes. While serious complications are uncommon, the virus can cause brain infections, potentially leading to lifelong symptoms or death. Some infected individuals may show no symptoms or only very mild ones. "Quite rarely... you can get this very serious encephalitis, which is swelling on the brain that can cause brain damage or result in death," Jardine explained.

With thousands of tourists heading to northern Australia to escape the winter, WA Health is strongly advising residents and travelers to take precautions against mosquito bites. The risk of MVE is highest during and immediately after the wet season in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, but can persist into July. Surveillance programs have detected the virus in mosquitoes and sentinel chickens.

Quite rarely... you can get this very serious encephalitis, which is swelling on the brain that can cause brain damage or result in death.

— Andrew JardineAndrew Jardine explained the potential severity of Murray Valley Encephalitis.
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Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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