A person has died after contracting the rare but serious mosquito-borne virus Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE).
WA Health reported the tragedy on Wednesday, saying the victim was likely bitten by an infected flying bug while travelling in the state’s West Kimberley region.
“The wet season in northern WA, and the period immediately after it, are the highest risk time for mosquito‑borne virus activity,” department managing scientist Dr Andrew Jardine said.
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“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.”
Severe symptoms
People struck down with MVE can experience severe headaches, difficulty speaking, fever, drowsiness, neck stiffness, nausea and dizziness.
In severe cases, people can suffer seizures, permanent brain damage, fall into a coma and even die.
The Australian Centre for Disease Control says “up to one in three people who develop encephalitis die from the disease”, and up to half of those who survive go on to develop long-term neurological issues.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical care as soon as possible.
“In young children, fever may be the only early sign of infection,” the health department said.
“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.”
Covering up
Free mosquito repellent was made available in high-risk regions including the Kimberley and Pilbara in June 2025 after WA Health launched a “repel, prevent, protect” initiative.
It was dedicated to Peter Blackaby, who lost his life to MVE in 2023.
The advice to protect against mosquitoes is to cover up with long, loose-fitting clothing, apply mosquito repellent and use mosquito nets.
The virus cannot be transmitted between people.
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