A person has died after contracting the rare but serious mosquito-borne virus Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) in Western Australia.
Fatality confirmed in West Kimberley
WA Health reported the tragedy on Wednesday, stating the victim was likely bitten by an infected mosquito while travelling in the state's West Kimberley region. The department's managing scientist, Dr Andrew Jardine, said: "The wet season in northern WA, and the period immediately after it, are the highest risk time for mosquito-borne virus activity."
"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," he added.
No vaccine available
"There is currently no vaccine for MVE. The only way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes," Dr Jardine emphasised.
Severe symptoms of MVE
People struck down with MVE can experience severe headaches, difficulty speaking, fever, drowsiness, neck stiffness, nausea and dizziness. In severe cases, individuals may suffer seizures, permanent brain damage, fall into a coma, and even die.
The Australian Centre for Disease Control states that "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.
Warning for parents
"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."
Prevention measures
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.
