MOSQUITO VIRUS HEALTH WARNING

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

 The Department of Health issued a warning for people in the Kimberley area to protect themselves against mosquito bites, following the first Murray Valley encephalitis detection in the region this year.

The virus can only be transmitted by mosquitoes, and while the risk of becoming unwell is low, the illness caused by the virus can be severe and even fatal.

The Department advises people to avoid being outdoors at dawn and early evening and to wear mozzie repellent, long, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing outdoors.