Following successful trials in the Kimberley, Pilbara, and Gascoyne regions, the WA Government is expanding its rollout of free mosquito repellent dispensers in caravan parks and other community areas.
The current expansion of the initiative into the Geographe and Leschenault areas is designed to help protect the community against Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus, following recent detections in mosquitoes in the south west.
The initiative will roll out progressively to further regions over the next six months, ensuring targeted support to areas experiencing elevated mosquito-borne disease risks.
The program was launched earlier this year in honour of Peter Blackaby who lost his life to Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) in 2023.
Mosquitoes can pose a serious health threat. PIC: Jimmy Chan / Pexels
His wife Sonia continues to advocate for greater awareness of mosquito-borne disease, featuring in WA Health’s Fight the Bite campaign.
Health Minister, Meredith Hammat, said the tragic death of Peter Blackaby should make everyone stop and think.
“This expansion of this campaign reflects the strong success of the trial in the Gascoyne, Pilbara, and Kimberley during their tourist season,” she said. “Recent virus detections in the south west show why access to preventive measures like this are so important as we head into the high-risk season for the region.”
And Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton said the initiative was vitally important.
“Mosquito-borne diseases can have serious and lasting health impacts, which is why proactive prevention is essential,” she said. “By expanding this initiative to areas experiencing increased virus activity, we’re ensuring communities have greater access to repellent where it is most needed.”
Eligible community organisations such as caravan parks, sporting clubs, outdoor cinemas, and alfresco venues will be able to apply for up to two free mosquito repellent dispensers through the WA Heath website.
Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.
How about they try to combat it before it’s a risk to us humans. Does it affect other species too?