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Close-up image of mosquito biting human skin to help illustrate mosquito-borne diseases.
Mosquito-borne diseases
Barmah Forest virus
This illness is transmitted by mosquitoes and found only in Australia. Learn about the symptoms of, and treatment options for, Barmah Forest virus.
Chikungunya virus
Chikungunya virus is found mainly in Africa and Asia, so if you're travelling to these areas it's important to prevent mosquito bites.
Dengue fever
This illness can feel like a bad case of flu. Dengue fever is found in tropical and sub-tropical areas in Africa, Asia, South America and Australia.
Malaria
This disease is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes, which causes an infection of the red blood cells. Discover more about malaria.
Murray Valley encephalitis
This rare illness is caused by a mosquito-borne virus found in northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. Learn about its symptoms and prevention.
Ross River virus
Ross River virus is carried by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, rash and joint pain — but most people recover in a few weeks. Learn more here.
Yellow fever
Vaccination is recommended for yellow fever — a serious disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes in areas of Africa, and Central and South America.
Zika virus
Learn more about the Zika virus, and why it's advisable for pregnant women to avoid travelling to countries with outbreaks.
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Prevent mosquito-borne disease on holiday overseas
In some overseas countries, mosquitoes can transmit serious and potentially fatal diseases such as dengue, malaria and Japanese encephalitis. It is important to visit your GP at least 6 weeks prior to traveling overseas to determine any health risks associated with your destination.
Read more on WA Health website
Travel tips for overseas trips - myDr.com.au
Some quick tips for staying safe overseas, including information on hepatitis, mosquito-borne diseases, malaria, insects, animal bites and where to get medical information.
Read more on myDr website
Zika virus warning
WA Health is reminding pregnant women to take precautions against mosquito bites if travelling to countries currently affected by the mosquito-borne Zika virus.
Read more on WA Health website
Malaria infection information | myVMC
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infection that can be fatal. People travelling to malaria areas should take prophylactic medicine and prevent mosquito bites.
Read more on myVMC – Virtual Medical Centre website
Insect repellent
There is no cure or treatment for mosquito-borne disease in WA. The only way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten.
Read more on WA Health website
Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes in Western Australia
In Western Australia, mosquitoes can transmit Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, Kunjin virus and the potentially fatal Murray Valley encephalitis virus. There is currently no cure or vaccine for any of these diseases. The only way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten.
Read more on WA Health website
Mosquitoes can carry diseases - Better Health Channel
You can reduce the risk of mosquito bites if you get rid of potential mosquito breeding sites around your home.
Read more on Better Health Channel website
Prevent mosquito bites on holiday in Australia
In summer, a lot of time is spent outdoors but this is also when mosquitoes breed and bite. There is no cure or vaccine to protect against diseases transmitted by mosquitoes in Australia. The only way to prevent infection from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes is to avoid being bitten.
Read more on WA Health website
Murray Valley encephalitis and Kunjin viruses
Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) is a rare but potentially fatal disease caused by the MVE virus which is carried by mosquitoes. Kunjin virus is a related virus that is also carried by mosquitoes, but generally causes less severe symptoms.
Read more on WA Health website
Dengue fever (dengue virus) infection information | myVMC
Dengue is a mosquito borne virus that causes symptoms such as rash, fever and severe pain. Infections can cause internal bleeding and death.
Read more on myVMC – Virtual Medical Centre website
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Department of Health | Health Advice for Members of Australian Medical Assistance Teams Going to the Asia-Pacific Area
This document provides health advice about personal health protection to persons planning to travel to disaster-affected areas in the Asia-Pacific area as a member of an Australian government health team.
Read more on Department of Health website
Department of Health | Health Advice for Members of Australian Medical Assistance Teams Returning from the Asia-Pacific Area
The purpose of this document is to provide health advice to persons who are returning from disaster-affected areas in the Asia-Pacific area as a member of an Australian government health team.
Read more on Department of Health website
