Mosquito Virus Alert

Published on Friday, 7 November 2025 at 11:06:53 AM

The Shire of Capel strongly urges residents and visitors to the region to protect themselves from mosquito bites following the detection of Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus.

These viruses have recently been detected in the South West by the Department of Health through its routine testing of mosquitoes from Mandurah to Busselton.

Both viruses can produce debilitating symptoms including painful or swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, fatigue, headaches and rash lasting for weeks to months.
There are no cures or vaccinations for either of these viruses.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀-
  • 👕 Covering Up - wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, use screens around the house and nets if outside.
  • 🦟 Repel - use mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (not eucalyptus oil)
  • 🧹 Clean Up - keep grass/vegetation short, empty all containers that hold water
For more information, including further RRV and BFV symptoms and mosquito prevention tips, visit the HealthyWA website.

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