"Both viruses are only carried by mosquitoes, and while the risk of being infected and becoming unwell is low, the illnesses can be severe," managing scientist of environmental health hazards Michael Lindsay said. Health authorities in western Australia have warned residents and travellers to Kimberley to avoid mosquito bites due to confirmed detection of the Kunjin virus (a subtype of the West Nile Virus) and several probable cases of the Murray Valley encephalitis virus, which can cause permanent neurological disease or death. Confirmation of the latter virus is pending the results of further tests. The Department of Agriculture has advised that people who are travelling from areas where mosquitoes may be present should take precautions such as wearing long sleeves when outside during the day, covering up with clothing if possible, using
Health authorities in western Australia have warned residents and travellers to Kimberley to avoid mosquito bites due to confirmed detection of the Kunjin virus (a subtype of the West Nile Virus) and several probable cases of the Murray Valley encephalitis virus, which can cause permanent neurological disease or death. Confirmation of the latter virus is pending the results of further tests. The Department of Agriculture has advised that people who are travelling from areas where mosquitoes may be present should take precautions such as wearing long sleeves when outside during the day, covering up with clothing if possible, using