RISK FROM BARMAH FOREST VIRUS IN HUNTER AND MID-NORTH COAST AREAS

Wednesday

Hunter New England Population Health has issued an alert to people in the Hunter and Mid-North Coast areas after the detection of Barmah Forest virus in mosquitoes in the Port Stephens area.

Hunter New England Public Health physician Dr David Durrheim said mosquito numbers are on the increase as expected at this time of the year and people need to take precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites. 
 
Dr Durrheim said that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, which spread the disease.

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

“Although the illness is not fatal, it can cause persistent and debilitating symptoms such as aches and pains in joints, fever, chills, headache and sometimes a rash. The rash usually disappears after seven to 10 days.

“As there is no specific treatment for Barmah Forest virus, prevention depends on avoiding mosquito bites, especially in the summer and autumn months when infections peak,” Dr Durrheim said.

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 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.
•Ensure that there are no pools of water around the home where mosquitos can breed, for example, undrained pot plants, blocked gutters and old tyres.

Contact: Sharna McCarthy

Phone: 4921 4501