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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.
Elephantiasis
Elephantiasis is a tropical disease spread by mosquito bites that can cause arms and legs to swell and the skin to become hard and thick.
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
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
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
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
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
Dengue
Dengue fever is a viral disease spread only by certain mosquitoes mostly Aedes aegypti or "dengue mosquitoes", which are common in tropical areas around the world.
Read more on Queensland Health 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
Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus
Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV) are the two most common mosquito-borne viruses in Western Australia and can cause severe symptoms in people.
Read more on WA Health website
Murray Valley encephalitis - Better Health Channel
The only protection from Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) is to avoid mosquito bites.
Read more on Better Health Channel website
Top results
Are you Familiar with the Risks of Ross River Virus Infection?
With recent spikes in the number of reported cases of Ross River virus infection in Australia (Sundstrom 2016), it is an important time to familiarise yourself with Australias most common mosquito-borne infection.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
Barmah Forest Virus Infection | Ausmed
Barmah Forest virus infection is the second most common mosquito-borne infection in Australia (after Ross River virus infection). On average, some 700 fresh cases are notified each year (over 400 in Queensland), but in epidemic years, numbers have approached 2000.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
Barmah Forest Virus Infection | Ausmed
Barmah Forest virus infection is the second most common mosquito-borne infection in Australia (after Ross River virus infection). On average, some 700 fresh cases are notified each year (over 400 in Queensland), but in epidemic years, numbers have approached 2000.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
