WA’s new free mosquito repellent initiative dedicated to man who died after contracting MVE in Broome

The WA Government’s new free mosquito-fighting repellent dispenser initiative has been dedicated to Peter Blackaby, who lost his life after contracting Murray Valley encephalitis in Broome in May 2023. Sonia Blackaby said she and her late husband Peter, from Newman, had been travelling with their caravan and had stopped in Broome for about three weeks when Mr Blackaby contracted the fatal virus. “After we returned home, within a matter of probably 48 hours, he went from showing signs to being in a coma and eventually developing brain damage,” Ms Blackaby said. “We spent five weeks in the intensive care unit and he never recovered. I never spoke to my husband again.” Since the tragedy, Ms Blackaby has been raising awareness about how deadly the disease can be and urging her local and State Governments to make information on MVE more readily available. “A lot of people don’t realise how serious it is,” she said. “Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying; they carry viruses that kill, and MVE has no cure, no treatment and no vaccine. If it doesn’t kill you, it can cause severe, irreversible brain damage. “The only way to prevent it is to not get bitten.” The pilot of the new initiative will provide free mosquito repellent dispensers to community groups across the Kimberley, Pilbara, and Gascoyne regions in an effort to protect communities from serious and potentially fatal mosquito-borne diseases like MVE. Eligible community organisations such as sporting clubs, caravan parks, outdoor cinemas, and alfresco venues are being encouraged to take advantage and apply for a free dispenser According to the Government, there have been 12 cases of MVE in WA since 2023, resulting in five deaths. Health Minister Meredith Hammat said the initiative, in conjunction with the Government’s Fight the Bite campaign, was raising awareness of the potential threats of mosquito bites. “Murray Valley encephalitis is a rare but potentially fatal disease, and this initiative ensures Peter’s story continues to make a difference,” she said. “The Fight the Bite campaign is raising awareness through real stories affecting everyday Western Australians, and I encourage everyone to take action against mosquito bites.” The Government said it was launching the initiative in time for the “grey nomad” travel season — when older travellers, who are at greater risk of acquiring a mosquito-borne disease, head north during winter. Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton said mosquito-borne diseases could have lifelong effects, and it was important to prioritise prevention. “This program provides mosquito repellent in key locations where the risk of mosquito bites is highest, helping communities stay protected,” she said. While the northern dry season generally decreases the chances of contracting mosquito-borne diseases, the Department of Health’s mosquito and sentinel chicken surveillance programs have continued to detect MVE activity during this year’s dry. Residents and travellers heading north need to continue to take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, and applying an effective insect repellent. A State-wide rollout of the initiative is expected in 2026.