Ross River virus warning for WA's south

Residents and travellers to Western Australia's South West have been reminded to avoid mosquito bites after this season's first detection of Ross River virus.

WA Health Department acting medical entomologist Andrew Jardine said although the virus was detected in mosquitoes from the adjoining Peel region last week, it was likely to be more widespread.

"It is likely that at this time of year Ross River virus would be active across most of the South West," Dr Jardine said.

He said local governments and the department were working on mosquito management in areas with a risk of RRV and Barmah Forest virus infection.

"However, it is not realistic to rely on mosquito management programs alone to control mosquitoes - people also need to take their own precautions to avoid mosquito bites," he said.

RRV symptoms include painful or swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, fatigue and headaches.

Symptoms can last for weeks or months, and the virus can only be properly diagnosed by having a specific blood test. There is no cure for RRV.