Warning after Kunjin virus detected

Department of Health is warning Kimberley and Pilbara travellers take precautions to avoid mosquito bites after three suspected human cases of Kunjin virus disease were detected.

The caution follows evidence of Murray Valley encephalitis and Kunjin virus activity in sentinel chicken flocks across the regions and if confirmed will be the first human cases of the mosquito borne disease in WA since 2006.

WA Health chief health officer professor Tarun Weeramanthri said people did not need to alter their plans to visit the Kimberley or Pilbara regions but should avoid mosquito bites when outdoors because although the risk of being infected is low both diseases could cause severe symptoms.

“As there are no specific cures or vaccines for any of these viruses, it is important to prevent being bitten,” said professor Weeramanthri.

“Travellers and residents should avoid outdoor exposure around dawn and early evening and wear protective long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing when outdoors.

“In addition, personal insect repellents containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin should be applied to all areas of exposed skin.”

Bites can be avoided by remaining sheltered at dawn and early evening, wearing protective clothing, using deterrents or insect screens and removing breeding areas of water.

WA Health is also advising travellers to maintain their medication regime, ensure scripts were filled ahead of time and meet with their GPs before beginning their travel plans.

“People can become complacent when they are relaxed and on holiday, which can sometimes lead to them forgetting their regular medicines and putting their health at risk,” he said.

“It is important to check medication for storage instructions, as the temperature inside a van or car in warm weather may rise beyond the recommended levels for safe storage.

“Emergency department presentations at health campuses in the north of the state increase significantly during the winter months as more people travel to the regions.

“This increase does have the potential to affect patient care, so it is important that emergency departments are left for emergencies only.”