The Department of Health has warned a jump in the mosquito population could lead to serious health problems for WA residents.
Recent widespread rainfall and flooding has created ideal conditions for the breeding of mosquitoes and other biting insects, with many river systems throughout the Perth metropolitan and regional areas overflowing due to nearly 300 millimetres of rain dumped over the course of the last week.
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Managing Scientist Environmental Health Hazards Dr Michael Lindsay said the increase in insect numbers would lead to a higher chance of contracting a mosquito-borne disease.
"While local government mosquito management programs are in place around WA, it is not realistic or logistically feasible to keep mosquitoes and biting flies below nuisance levels when such vast areas of the State are affected with the recent weather conditions," Dr Lindsay said.
"Increased mosquito activity is likely to result in an increased risk of the mosquito-borne diseases Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, Murray Valley encephalitis virus and Kunjin virus in some parts of WA."
Symptoms of Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus include painful or swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, fatigue and headaches.
Serious cases of a mosquito-borne virus may lead to a serious inflammation of the brain, and result in a long-term disability or even death.
WA residents have been warned to avoid outdoor exposure during dawn and dusk, and ensure infants and children are adequately protected from biting insects.