Fight the Bite campaign

Key mosquito messaging:

• In Western Australia, mosquitoes can transmit Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and Kunjin virus, as well as the potentially fatal Murray Valley encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis viruses (JEV).
• Whilst there is a vaccine for JEV, there is no vaccine or cure for any of the other mosquito-borne disease acquired in WA.
• The JEV vaccine does not provide protection against other serious mosquito-borne diseases, including Murray Valley encephalitis.
• The most effective way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
• Cover Up – wear long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing, covering as much of the body as you can.
• Repel – apply an effective insect repellent containing DEET (diethyltoluamide), picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE, also known as PMD) evenly to exposed skin.
• Clean Up – remove, empty or cover water-holding containers. Keep your grass short to stop mosquitoes hanging around your home.

Key March fly messaging:

• March flies can be a serious pest to humans, livestock and domestic animals. 
• March flies are not known to transmit diseases to people or livestock in Australia, however, their bite can cause serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
• Cover Up – wear long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing, covering as much of the body as you can. Avoid blue and other dark colour clothing which are known to attract March flies.
• Repel – apply an effective insect repellent containing DEET (diethyltoluamide), picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE, also known as PMD) evenly to exposed skin.

• WA residents travelling within Australia and overseas
• Visitors to WA
• Local governments 
• Outdoor event stakeholders
• General Practitioners and nurses
• Community clinics
• Population Health Units
• Aboriginal Environmental Health Practitioners and Service Providers

Mosquitoes:

• The peak mosquito season for the South West (including the Perth metropolitan area) of WA are the spring and summer months, from September to March.
• The peak mosquito season for the Kimberley region, and parts of the Pilbara, coincides with the wet season and extends from January to May.
• However, mosquitoes breed all year round, so people need to remain vigilant.

March flies:

• March flies can be found anywhere in Western Australia (WA) but are more common in warmer climates. 
• Despite the name, March flies are present all throughout the warmer months in southern WA and year-round in northern regions of the State.