Easter holiday mosquito warning

The Department of Health has issued a public health alert to cover up and use repellent to avoid mosquito bites over the Easter break and over coming weeks.

Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Kunjin and Japanese encephalitis (JE) viruses have been detected across a wide area of WA, and people should take appropriate precautions.

Protect yourself and your family:

• avoid outdoor exposure, particularly at dawn and in the early evening
• wear protective (long, loose-fitting, light-coloured) clothing when outdoors
• apply an effective personal 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
• ensure insect screens are installed and in good condition on houses and caravans
• use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents if sleeping outside
• use mosquito coils and mosquito lanterns and apply barrier sprays containing bifenthrin in patio and outdoor areas around houses
• ensure babies and children are protected against mosquito bites, with suitable clothing, shoes/socks, bed nets or other forms of insect screening
• keep grass/weeds and other vegetation short to reduce shelter for adult mosquitoes
• remove water-holding containers from around the home and garden to ensure mosquitoes do not breed in the backyard.

Read the full Easter Holiday Mosquito Warning.