Person dies after contracting rare mosquito-borne disease in WA

The person was exposed to infected mosquitoes while travelling through the Kimberley. (Supplied: WA Health)

One person has died after contracting a rare mosquito-borne illness in Western Australia's north.

It is understood the person was exposed to a mosquito infected with Murray Valley Encephalitis last month while travelling in the Kimberley.

The health department is encouraging all residents and visitors to the Kimberley and Pilbara to protect themselves against the insects.

The Western Australia Health Department has confirmed one person has died after contracting a rare mosquito-borne virus while travelling in the state's north.

A department spokesperson said it was likely the adult was exposed to Murray Valley Encephalitis in the West Kimberley, about 2,000 kilometres north of Perth.

It is the first reported death from the virus in WA this year.

Health Department managing scientist Andrew Jardine said it was believed the person was infected in early May.

"That's where it was likely acquired and then [the person] was transferred down to a hospital in Perth, where they sadly passed away recently," he said.

Andrew Jardine says anyone showing symptoms of the virus should seek medical attention. (Supplied: WA Health)

Murray Valley Encephalitis is endemic to WA's north and is transferred to humans through infected mosquitoes.

While serious complications are rare, the disease can lead to a brain infection, potentially triggering lifelong symptoms.

"It's a strange virus in that a lot of people do get it and won't have symptoms or very, very mild symptoms," he said.

"Quite rarely ... you can get this very serious encephalitis, which is swelling on the brain that can cause brain damage or result in death."

Dr Jardine said anyone showing signs of the virus, or other mosquito-borne viruses such Japanese encephalitis, should seek medical advice.

"If you get serious encephalitis, [symptoms can include] swelling, headache, but then confusion, dizziness, nausea, neck stiffness, any of that," he said.

Murray Valley Encephalitis is spread by mosquitoes. (Flickr: Oregon State University)

As thousands of tourists make their way to northern Australia over the coming months to escape the winter, residents and travellers are being urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Dr Jardine said the risk of contracting Murray Valley Encephalitis was higher during and after the Kimberley and Pilbara's wet season, but it could extend into July.

WA Health is urging all residents and travellers to protect themselves from mosquitoes. (ABC News: Charlie Mclea