Take precautions against mosquitoes

Hunter New England Health is warning people living in the region to take precautions against mosquitoes.

There has already been an increase in mosquito activity in the region and with this a number of confirmed human cases of Ross River Virus and Barmah Forrest infections.

Salt-marsh mosquitoes in coastal areas can be carriers of Barmah Forest infection, while fresh-water breeding mosquitoes inland can transmit Ross River Fever.

Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, which spread both types of mosquito-borne virus infections.

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

“Good rainfall in the affected areas has 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 Barmah Forest and Ross River virus infection include fever, skin rash, painful joints and tiredness.

“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,” Dr Durrheim said.

“Certain mosquitoes breed in 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 4801