Aussie grey nomads, campers warned as deadly threat prompts new campaign
Australians are being urged to take mosquito-borne diseases seriously, as a new government initiative rolls out free repellent dispensers across high-risk regions. The pilot program, launched in memory of Peter Blackaby — who tragically died from Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) in 2023 — is part of Western Australia Health's intensified Fight the Bite campaign.
Peter's wife, Sonia, is now warning others not to take mosquito bites lightly. "Not enough people are aware of the severity of the viruses that mozzies carry," Sonia told Yahoo News. "Most people have never even heard of MVE. We hadn't. Awareness is the only way to start imprinting the message with people: Prevent bites. It's the only way to protect yourself."
The couple had made regular caravanning trips through the Kimberley, Pilbara, and Gascoyne areas, now included in the free repellent dispenser trial. "We had made many trips to Broome, the Dampier Peninsula, Kununurra and the Gibb River Road," Sonia said. "It was one of our favourite destinations."
During their final three-week trip together, there were no warning signs. "Pete never said mosquitoes really bothered him. There wasn't a particular bite on him that we were aware of," she said. "I always get smashed by mosquitoes, though."
Tragically, Peter contracted MVE — a rare but potentially fatal virus carried by mosquitoes — and lost his life not long after. Since 2023, there have been 12 recorded cases of MVE in WA, resulting in five deaths.
The new initiative will see free mosquito repellent dispensers made available to eligible community organisations in high-risk areas, such as caravan parks, sporting clubs, outdoor cinemas and alfresco venues. It is timed to coincide with the annual "grey nomad" season, when thousands of older travellers head north during the winter months — a group considered particularly vulnerable to mosquito-borne illness.
A State-wide rollout is planned for 2026, following the initial trial across the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne. WA Health continues to detect MVE activity through its mosquito and sentinel chicken surveillance programs. Although winter is usually a lower-risk period, 2025 has been an unusual year, prompting authorities to reinforce prevention messages.
A WA Health spokesperson told Yahoo that the northern dry season, which generally represents a lower risk period for mosquito-borne viruses, has been an unusual year in 2025.
"Whilst rare, infection can cause a very serious, potentially fatal, disease. Individuals who survive are often left with severe neurological deficits or disability," they said.
"Residents and travellers heading north need to take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites by wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, avoid areas where mosquitoes are in high numbers and apply an effective insect repellent to all areas of exposed skin.
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"WA Health is also encouraging local governments and larger businesses/corporate organisations to make insect repellent readily accessible to the public and employees in high-risk locations, to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease.
A limited number of repellent dispensers are available, free of charge, to eligible community groups/organisations in Kimberley, Pilbara, and Gascoyne to participate in this important Fight the Bite initiative.
Sonia, meanwhile, hopes sharing her family's story can help save others. "Prevent bites — it's the only way," she said.
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