Gosnells and Canning residents are on alert as health authorities confirm a recent uptick in Ross River virus cases. Between 2021 and 2025, six cases were detected in Gosnells and five in Canning, prompting local councils to ramp up mosquito control efforts. It’s a familiar dance in Western Australia, where the virus is consistently present, though case numbers fluctuate annually.
Mosquito-Borne Illness on the Rise in Western Australia
Local officials are urging residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites as Ross River virus cases are confirmed in multiple districts.
- Ross River virus is endemic to Western Australia, with varying case numbers each year.
- Six cases were reported in Gosnells and five in Canning between 2021 and 2025.
- Local councils are implementing mosquito management programs, including larval treatment and adult mosquito monitoring.
- Residents are advised to cover up, use repellent, and eliminate standing water.
Q: What is Ross River virus and how is it spread?
A: Ross River virus is a mosquito-borne disease common in Australia. It’s transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily those found near coastal areas and waterways.
Western Australia’s Chief Health Officer, Andrew Robertson, emphasized the ongoing presence of the virus. “RRV is always present across WA, with case numbers varying from year to year,” Dr. Robertson said.
Beyond Gosnells and Canning, eight cases were identified in Armadale and six in Serpentine Jarrahdale over the same 2021–2025 period. The City of Gosnells is actively monitoring mosquito activity and treating breeding sites throughout the 2025–26 mosquito season, according to a statement from Chief Executive Officer Ian Cowie.
The City of Canning highlighted the role of the Canning River in creating mosquito breeding grounds, particularly in tidal areas. Salt marsh mosquitoes, including Aedes vigilax and Aedes camptorynchus, are known for their aggressive biting and potential to transmit disease, though the city reports only low numbers of Ross River virus cases annually.
To combat this, the City of Canning operates a comprehensive Mosquito Management Program. This includes inspecting and treating mosquito larvae, trapping adult mosquitoes to track populations, monitoring tides and storm surges, treating stormwater drains, and educating the community. Residents are also encouraged to report increased mosquito activity around their homes and near the river.
The ongoing efforts reflect a proactive approach to managing mosquito populations and minimizing the risk of Ross River virus transmission in these Western Australian communities.
