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Mosquitoes and Disease in the Lower Hunter and Mid North Coast
As well as causing nuisance biting problems, some mosquitoes can also pose a public health risk in the Lower Hunter and Mid North Coast region. The mosquito-borne viruses (called arboviruses) can be transmitted by a number of different species in the local region and care should be taken to avoid mosquito bites, particularly when close to wetland and bushland areas.
While little is known about the natural history of Australian arboviruses, it is thought that native macropods (e.g. kangaroos and wallabies) as well as birds are the main reservoir hosts. Once a mosquito bites an infective animal, it takes approximately one week for the virus to spread through the body of the mosquito. When the mosquito next bites a human, the virus is transmitted in the saliva. There is a close biological relationship between Australian arboviruses and mosquitoes, and only these specific viruses can be transmitted by mosquitoes.
Other viruses such as influenza, hepatitis and HIV cannot be transmitted by mosquitoes.
The arboviruses most commonly causing human disease in the local region are:
Ross River virus
Ross River virus is the most common arbovirus in the local region. The severity of human disease symptoms can be variable, from rash and mild illness to acute symptoms which can include severe arthritis aches and pains in the joints. Symptoms usually become evident between 7 and 10 days after being bitten by an infective mosquito and can last from a few days to some months. The majority of cases occur in summer and early autumn.
Barmah Forest virus
Barmah Forest virus is becoming increasingly common in the local region. The symptoms are very similar to Ross River virus infection but with more intense rash and lesser arthritic symptoms generally
Mosquitoe Disease Print Version
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Living with Mosquitoes Strategy Launch
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