Latest news with #Blackaby
West Australian
3 days ago
- Health
- West Australian
WA's new free mosquito repellent initiative dedicated to man who died after contracting MVE in Broome
The WA Government's new free mosquito-fighting repellent dispenser initiative has been dedicated to Peter Blackaby, who lost his life after contracting Murray Valley encephalitis in Broome in May 2023. Sonia Blackaby said she and her late husband Peter, from Newman, had been travelling with their caravan and had stopped in Broome for about three weeks when Mr Blackaby contracted the fatal virus. 'After we returned home, within a matter of probably 48 hours, he went from showing signs to being in a coma and eventually developing brain damage,' Ms Blackaby said. 'We spent five weeks in the intensive care unit and he never recovered. I never spoke to my husband again.' Since the tragedy, Ms Blackaby has been raising awareness about how deadly the disease can be and urging her local and State Governments to make information on MVE more readily available. 'A lot of people don't realise how serious it is,' she said. 'Mosquitoes aren't just annoying; they carry viruses that kill, and MVE has no cure, no treatment and no vaccine. If it doesn't kill you, it can cause severe, irreversible brain damage. 'The only way to prevent it is to not get bitten.' The pilot of the new initiative will provide free mosquito repellent dispensers to community groups across the Kimberley, Pilbara, and Gascoyne regions in an effort to protect communities from serious and potentially fatal mosquito-borne diseases like MVE. Eligible community organisations such as sporting clubs, caravan parks, outdoor cinemas, and alfresco venues are being encouraged to take advantage and apply for a free dispenser According to the Government, there have been 12 cases of MVE in WA since 2023, resulting in five deaths. Health Minister Meredith Hammat said the initiative, in conjunction with the Government's Fight the Bite campaign, was raising awareness of the potential threats of mosquito bites. 'Murray Valley encephalitis is a rare but potentially fatal disease, and this initiative ensures Peter's story continues to make a difference,' she said. 'The Fight the Bite campaign is raising awareness through real stories affecting everyday Western Australians, and I encourage everyone to take action against mosquito bites.' The Government said it was launching the initiative in time for the 'grey nomad' travel season — when older travellers, who are at greater risk of acquiring a mosquito-borne disease, head north during winter. Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton said mosquito-borne diseases could have lifelong effects, and it was important to prioritise prevention. 'This program provides mosquito repellent in key locations where the risk of mosquito bites is highest, helping communities stay protected,' she said. While the northern dry season generally decreases the chances of contracting mosquito-borne diseases, the Department of Health's mosquito and sentinel chicken surveillance programs have continued to detect MVE activity during this year's dry. Residents and travellers heading north need to continue to take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, and applying an effective insect repellent. A State-wide rollout of the initiative is expected in 2026.
CBS News
12-04-2025
- General
- CBS News
Councilman proposing more defensible space for Berkeley Hills homes
A proposal would require Berkeley homes between Tilden Park and Panoramic Hill to remove foliage within 5 feet of the home as a wildfire prevention measure. The goal is to create an "ember-resistant zone" where fire embers land on rock or cement instead of flammable things, like plants. But to residents who live within the proposed area, the drafted ordinance will interfere with the neighborhood's character. Bert Monroy, whose home is located within the proposed limits, would have to remove virtually all of the plants in his garden. "I think they're going a little beyond what's necessary. I know they want to be cautious, and in the insurance companies, they're going crazy," Monroy said. "But, you know, does it really help us to have that extra five feet?" The answer is yes, if you ask City Councilman Brent Blackaby. Blackaby drafted this proposal with the fire department after the Palisades fire in Los Angeles. He said the 900 homes within the proposed limits pose a serious fire risk. "If we can do that, not just one or two or three houses, but do it along that entire ridge, get 60, 70, 80% compliance in those neighborhoods, we're going to give the firefighters a much better chance of holding the line," Blackaby said. Caitlin Yates also lives in the area and understands the reasoning behind Blackaby's proposal but is unsure about the execution. "I hope that they'll consider the financial costs, especially for the retired families who might not have the funds to do the work," Yates said. Blackaby said a financial plan is in the works to take the pressure off residents. Monroy is just hoping the culture of his storybook neighborhood will survive the change. "It's going to take away a lot of the beauty. And you know, that makes this neighborhood what it is," Blackaby said.
