If you’re one of the thousands of Australians who love nothing more than hitching up the caravan and heading north for the winter, you’re in good company.
The annual migration of senior road trippers to the sun-drenched expanses of the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne is a tradition for many over-50s.
But as you soak up the outback sunsets and swap stories around the campfire, there’s a silent threat you can’t afford to ignore.
Mosquito-borne diseases are on the rise—and this year, they’ve already claimed lives.
A hidden danger in paradise
For many, the north is a dream destination. Sonia and her late husband Peter were seasoned adventurers, regularly exploring Broome, the Dampier Peninsula, Kununurra and the iconic Gibb River Road.
‘It was one of our favourite destinations,’ Sonia recalls. But during what should have been another memorable trip, tragedy struck.
Peter, who never complained about mosquito bites, contracted Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE)—a rare but deadly virus carried by mosquitoes.
He passed away not long after. Since 2023, Western Australia (WA) has recorded 12 cases of MVE, with five resulting in death.
These numbers may seem small, but the consequences are devastating. Survivors often face severe neurological damage or lifelong disability.
Why are senior travellers at risk?
The annual migration north coincides with the peak period for mosquito activity in the tropics.
Older adults are more vulnerable to mosquito-borne illnesses, as the immune system becomes less robust with age.
And it’s not just MVE. Other viruses, such as Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus, are also present in these regions.
While not always fatal, they can cause symptoms that linger for months.
The Fight the Bite campaign: What’s new?
In response to growing concerns, Western Australia Health has expanded its Fight the Bite campaign.
A new initiative includes free mosquito repellent dispensers in caravan parks, sporting clubs, alfresco venues and outdoor cinemas across the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne.
The goal is to make it as easy as possible for travellers and locals to protect themselves.
A state-wide rollout is planned for 2026. In the meantime, eligible community organisations in high-risk areas can apply for free dispensers.
Local governments and businesses are also encouraged to provide repellent in public areas and workplaces.
Why 2025 is different
Typically, the dry season is lower risk for mosquito-borne viruses. But 2025 has brought abnormal weather patterns that have increased mosquito activity.
As a result, health authorities are reinforcing prevention messages. Western Australia Health continues to monitor the situation using mosquito and sentinel chicken surveillance programs.
The message is clear: don’t let your guard down, even in winter.
How to protect yourself: Practical tips for travellers
Here are a few simple ways to reduce your risk during your next trip:
- Cover up: Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, particularly at dawn and dusk.
- Use repellent: Apply repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to all exposed skin.
- Avoid mozzie hotspots: Stay away from stagnant water, dense bushland and wetland areas.
- Mosquito-proof your camp: Use fly screens on vans and tents, and sleep under a mosquito net where possible.
- Be vigilant: Even if you don’t notice bites, you may still be at risk.
Peter never reacted strongly to bites—but still contracted a deadly disease.
A family’s plea: Don’t let this happen to you
Sonia’s message is simple but powerful: ‘Prevent bites—it’s the only way.’
She hopes that by sharing Peter’s story, others may be spared the same loss.
‘Not enough people are aware of the severity of the viruses that mosquitoes carry. 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.’
Have your say
As WA ramps up its campaign to fight mosquito-borne illnesses, particularly Murray Valley encephalitis, the focus is now on prevention and public awareness.
Video Credit: (Department of Health) WA Health / YouTube
With new measures in place and personal stories highlighting the risks, authorities are encouraging all residents and travellers to stay informed and take simple steps to protect themselves.
What are your thoughts on the new mosquito repellent dispenser initiative? Have you or someone you know been affected by mosquito-borne illnesses while travelling in regional or northern parts of Australia? Do you think more needs to be done to raise awareness, especially among grey nomads and outdoor enthusiasts?
We’d like to hear your perspective—feel free to share your experiences and insights in the comments below.
Also read: Japanese encephalitis is spread by mosquitoes. Here’s how to protect yourself
