Mosquito-borne disease warning for WA

Residents and tourists travelling in WA's Kimberley region have been warned to avoid mosquito bites following evidence of Murray Valley encephalitis and Kunjin viruses.

The WA Health Department says there has been a confirmed detection of the Kunjin virus and several probable detections of the Murray Valley encephalitis virus, which can cause permanent neurological disease or death, pending further testing.

While no human cases of either virus has been reported in WA since 2011, evidence of the viruses has now been detected in sentinel chicken flocks, which are used as an early warning system for virus activity.

"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.

"It is important that people across the Kimberley protect themselves from mosquito bites this Easter and for the next several weeks."