Ryan Marron contracted the potentially fatal Murray Valley encephalitis virus while on secondment in the Kimberley.
The rare and potentially fatal mosquito-borne virus that felled West Australian policeman Ryan Marron has been found in the state’s North West for the first time this year.
Evidence of Murray Valley encephalitis and Kunjin viruses has been found in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, prompting a warning to residents and travellers from the WA Department of Health.
The department’s medical entomologist Dr Peter Neville said the MVE and KUN viruses were detected through a University of Western Australia surveillance program.
“Murray Valley encephalitis and Kunjin viruses are only carried by mosquitoes, and while the risk of being infected and becoming unwell is low, the illnesses can be severe, and even fatal, so people should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites,” Dr Neville said.