WARM WET WEATHER SEES RISK OF MOSQUITO VIRUS INCREASE
Hunter New England Health is warning people living in the Hunter region to take precautions against mosquitoes.
There has already been an increase in mosquito activity and with this a number of confirmed human cases of Ross River Virus infections.
Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, which spread Ross River Virus.
The virus is spread by mosquitoes that feed on animals that have the infection,” Dr Durrheim said.
The initial spring rain in the affected areas has resulted in mosquito breeding.
The warmer weather and longer days have seen people spending more time outside and being exposed to mosquito bites.
Symptoms for Ross River Virus include pain in the joints, tiredness, headaches, rash and fever. These diseases are not fatal, but can cause severe, persistent and debilitating symptoms.
A small number of people with these virus infections have persistent symptoms for several months.
As there is no specific treatment for Ross River Virus, prevention depends on avoiding mosquito bites.
It is well known that only small proportion of Ross River Fever cases actually get reported, so this could mean that there have been lots of people infected that don’t even know they have this virus.
Mosquitoes breed in places such as pools, gutters and containers. It’s time to clean up around the home to ensure you aren’t 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
For more information, download a fact sheet at NSW Health’s website: www.health.nsw.gov.au
Ross River Virus notifications for Hunter region by year
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
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157 132 114 116 76 80
