Health unit warns on mosquito-borne viruses
North Coast residents and visitors are being urged to take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites over the holiday weekend and in the coming weeks.
The Public Health Unit has warned of an expected seasonal increase in the risk of contracting the mosquito-borne viruses, Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus, at this time of year.
“Both Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus can cause painful or swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, fatigue and headaches,” the North Coast Director of Public Health, Paul Corben, warned today.
“Symptoms can last for weeks and sometimes months and people are strongly advised to do their best to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes during the holiday period and over the next few months.”
Mr Corben added that each year reports of these illnesses peaked in April and May.
“Although reported cases so far this year are at about average levels, recent rainfall along the North Coast and the higher Easter tides have created perfect mosquito breeding conditions,” he said.
“This means it’s particularly important for everyone along the North Coast to take extra precautions against mosquito bites over the coming weeks.”
Mosquito breeding grounds include coastal estuaries, areas near rivers, dams and lakes. Around the home, pools or containers of water, including trays at the base of plants, can also contain mosquito larvae.
“The best way to protect against these unpleasant diseases is to avoid mosquito bites,” Mr Corben said, listing some simple but important steps people can take to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. These include:
Avoid being outdoors in times of high mosquito activity, especially around dawn and dusk
Ensure insect screens on houses are installed and completely mosquito-proof. If camping, use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents
Wear long, loose-fitting protective clothing when outdoors in mosquito-prone areas
Use personal repellents containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin. The most effective and long-lasting formulations are lotions or gels. Some natural or organic repellents may provide a measure of protection
Ensure infants and children are adequately protected against mosquito bites, preferably with suitable clothing, bed nets or other forms of insect screening. Only infant-strength repellents should be used on children.
August 16th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
Having warnings for Ross River is great. Being a naturopath I am usually so cautious when it comes to mosquitos but it didn’t stop one from finding me unprotected one April day or night.You can read my story of what it was like to contract the Virus and how I delt with the pain by visiting my website and clicking onto ‘Articles’. If you ‘attract’ mosquitos then it’s a must read.