Published on Monday, 13 October 2025 at 12:08:12 PM
The Shire of Capel is reminding residents and travellers to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites over the coming months.
The warning follows the detection of Barmah Forest virus (BFV) in mosquitoes collected around the Dalyellup and Stratham areas by the Department of Health’s mosquito disease surveillance program.
Shire President Doug Kitchen said that the increased mosquito activity is likely to be the result of winter and late season rainfall, as well as warmer weather favouring mosquito breeding.
“As the weather warms up people need to be actively protecting themselves from mosquito bites.”
“Mosquito management is being undertaken by the Shire in areas with a recognised risk of BFV activity,” he said.
“However, it is not realistic to rely on mosquito management programs alone to control all mosquitoes. People need to take their own precautions to avoid mosquito bites.”
Symptoms of BFV can last for weeks to months, and include painful or swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rash, fever, fatigue and headaches. The only way to diagnose the disease is by visiting your doctor and having a specific blood test.
There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for BFV, the only way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Individuals living or traveling to the Shire are encouraged to take the following precautions to prevent mosquito bites:
- Wear protective (long, loose-fitting, light-coloured) clothing when outdoors.
- Apply an effective personal mosquito repellent containing diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) evenly to all areas of exposed skin and always follow the label instructions.
- Ensure infants and children are adequately protected against mosquito bites, preferably with suitable clothing, shoes/socks, bed nets or other forms of insect screening.
- Ensure insect screens are installed and in good condition on caravans and houses.
For more information about mosquito prevention visit:
Mosquito Control » Shire of Capel
Fight the Bite campaign
Media contact: (08) 9727 0222
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