Published on Tuesday, 11 March 2025 at 12:43:59 PM
Ross River virus has recently been detected by WA Health in mosquitoes collected by the City of Perth in neighbouring Crawley, at a trapping site in Pelican Point.
WA Health noted increased mozzie activity lately due to extended warm weather and high tides.
🦟 Tips to Stay Safe:
Cover Up:
- Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, especially around dawn and dusk.
- Ensure insect screens are installed and in good condition.
Repel:
- Apply an effective personal mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD) to all exposed skin. Follow label instructions. Lotion or gel repellents are most effective. Use infant-strength repellents for young children.
Around the Home:
- Empty or dispose of all containers that hold water.
- Stock ornamental ponds with mosquito-eating fish like goldfish, and keep vegetation away from the water’s edge.
- Keep swimming pools well chlorinated, filtered, and free of dead leaves.
- Screen any rainwater tanks with insect-proof mesh and ensure guttering is not blocked.
- Empty pot plant drip trays weekly or fill with sand.
- Empty water-holding plants like bromeliads each week.
WA Government Department of Health media release:
WA Health warns community to protect against mosquito bites after Ross River Virus detected at Swan River
For more advice and info, please see Healthy WA here: Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus
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