Warning regarding encephalitis in the north of the state of Washington

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

Michael Lindsay, chief scientist for biohazards at the Washington State Department of Health, said it was the first time the virus was detected in this rainy season.

"The Murray Valley encephalitis virus is carried only by mosquitoes and, even though the risk of being infected and feeling bad is low, the disease caused by the virus could be serious, even fatal, "he said.