Mosquito-borne viruses detected in the Kimberley
Mosquito-borne viruses detected in the Kimberley
18 March 2026
Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV) have been detected in mosquitoes across the Kimberley.
If you’re in the Kimberley or surrounds, protect yourself from bites. RRV and BFV can cause painful and swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, fatigue, headaches, and rash lasting for weeks or months.
In northern WA, mosquitoes are more active between December and June. Mosquitoes in this area can also spread the rare but serious Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) and Japanese encephalitis (JEV), but neither has been detected this season yet.
‘People need to take precautions as there is currently no vaccine against RRV, BFV or MVE. However, a vaccine against JEV is available for Kimberley residents,’ says Dr Andrew Jardine, Managing Scientist. The simplest way to prevent infection is to avoid mosquito bites.
If you’re in the Kimberley, make sure you cover up, repel, and clean up.
Cover up
- Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.
- Ensure insect screens are installed and in good condition on houses, tents, and caravans.
- Use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents if sleeping outside.
- Use pram netting to keep mosquitoes away from babies and infants.
Repel
- Wear insect repellent containing DEET (diethyltoluamide) picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (also known as PMD), and follow the instructions on the label.
Clean up
- Empty or remove containers with water in them around your home or accommodation.
- Keep grass and other vegetation short.
Learn more about symptoms, prevention, and treatment of RRV and BFV.