The City of Kalamunda says it has eight confirmed cases of Ross River virus in adult residents with two of those cases locally acquired.

Recently a reader contacted Echo News to say they knew two people who had contacted Ross River fever who said the only place they had been where there were mosquitoes was Stirk Park.

As reported in Ross River detected in Kalamunda, (Echo News, March 21) the city issued a statement on March 17 urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites following the confirmation of a Ross River virus case in an adult who acquired the infection locally.

City of Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas said the city’s annual mosquito control program runs from October to March and included monitoring and treating water sources such as stormwater gullies – through trapping, draining, and larviciding to prevent mosquito development.

Ms Thomas said that Stirk Park, with its lake and water features, had been a key focus area.

“As part of recent upgrades, stormwater and drainage improvements – including a baffle box gross pollutant trap – have been installed to improve runoff treatment and reduce stagnant water,’’ she said.

“We’re also addressing stagnant water in unused swimming pools around the area by issuing clean-up notices and applying treatment where needed.

“Residents are reminded to maintain pools and ponds to prevent mosquito breeding.”

Ms Thomas said the city also worked closely with the Department of Health to monitor mosquito activity and implement targeted control measures.

“We continue to promote the Fight the Bite campaign, encouraging residents and visitors to prevent bites, reduce breeding sites and minimise the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.”

The city’s Our Mosquito Wise education program also helps raise awareness, particularly among school-aged children.

There is vaccine for Japanese encephalitis viruses but no vaccine or cure for any of the other mosquito-borne disease acquired in WA.

The Department of Health said the most effective way to prevent infection was to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

When Echo News asked the city how many residents contracted the virus last year the city said to contact the Department of Health for the latest statistics.