Unusual virus detected in local mosquitoes

Hunter New England Health is warning people living in northern NSW to take precautions against mosquitoes.

Recently, salt marsh mosquitoes captured in trapping sites between Newcastle and the Lower Mid North Coast, including Port Stephens have been confirmed carriers of the unusual Stratford virus.

There has also been a general increase in mosquito activity, with an increase in notifications of Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus infection in residents from the Hunter New England Health region.

Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, which spread Stratford virus and other mosquito borne viruses such as Barmah Forest and Ross River virus.

“These viruses are spread by mosquitoes that feed on animals that have the infection,” Dr Durrheim said.

“Good rainfall in the affected areas have contributed to a rise in mosquito breeding. The warm weather allows mosquitoes to survive longer and transmit viruses to people.”

Dr Durrheim said symptoms for Stratford virus include fever, painful joints and tiredness.

“Limited clinical experience with Stratford virus suggests that this disease is not fatal, but the virus can cause similar symptoms to Barmah Forest and Ross River virus infection. These can be severe, persistent and debilitating,” Dr Durrheim said.

“As there is no specific treatment for these mosquito borne viruses, prevention depends on avoiding mosquito bites, especially in the summer and autumn months when infections peak, and minimising potential mosquito breeding sites.

“Mosquitoes breed in places such as pools, gutters and containers. It’s time to clean up around the home to ensure you are not providing a breeding ground for mozzies.”

Other natural mosquito breeding sites include coastal estuaries and areas near rivers, dams and lakes. It only takes two to three weeks to produce large numbers of mature mosquitoes.

Methods for avoiding mosquito bites include:

• avoiding being outside unprotected before dawn and after dusk
• avoiding known high risk breeding sites, including marsh areas
• when outside wearing loose fitting, light coloured clothes that cover your arms and legs
• using an insect repellent, that contains the chemical DEET or picaridin, on exposed skin
• fitting fly screens to all windows and doors and keeping these in good repair
• if mosquitoes are inside, using a knockdown insecticide in bedrooms half an hour before going to bed according to instructions

Contact: Sharna McCarthy

Phone: 4921 4501