Latest news with #MVE
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
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. 🦠 Family's Bali nightmare amid disease outbreak in tourist hotspots ‼️ Scientists use toxins to kill off world's most dangerous creature 🦟 Could this tiny gadget reduce itch caused by mosquito bites? "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. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
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.
