Ross River virus detected in mosquitoes in the South West

Published on Thursday, 30 October 2025 at 12:16:53 PM

The WA Department of Health has issued a media statement reminding residents and travellers to the South West of WA to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

This follows the detection of RRV in our arbovirus surveillance program for the first time this season, and ongoing detections of BFV.

The statement can be found here: https://www.health.wa.gov.au/Media-releases/2025/October/Ross-River-virus-detected-in-mosquitoes-in-the-South-West

Advice about mosquito avoidance is available via HealthyWA, and includes:

COVER UP:

◾Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.

◾Ensure insect screens are installed and in good condition on houses and caravans.

◾Use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents if sleeping outside.

REPEL:

◾Apply an effective personal mosquito repellent containing diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (also known as PMD) evenly to all areas of exposed skin and always follow the label instructions.

◾Do not confuse Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus with eucalyptus oil and other botanicals that do not provide sufficient protection.

CLEAN UP:

◾Keep grass and other vegetation short to help prevent mosquitoes around your home.

◾Empty or remove water holding containers around your home.

For more information, including further RRV and BFV symptoms and mosquito prevention tips, visit ➡ https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/N_R/Ross-River-virus-and-Barmah-Forest-virus

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