Kununurra mosquito warning after encephalitis found in chickens

Residents and tourists in Western Australia’s Kimberley region have been warned to avoid mosquito bites after the detection of Murray Valley encephalitis in a sentinel chicken flock in Kununurra.

WA Health Department managing scientist of biological hazards Michael Lindsay said it was the first detection of the virus this wet season.

“Murray Valley encephalitis virus is carried only by mosquitoes, and while the risk of being infected and becoming unwell is low, the illness caused by the virus could be severe or even fatal,” he said.

AAP ANR/PAM

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