News - Bega Merimbula Eden Bermagui Tathra Pambula

People living and visiting the Bega Valley Shire are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites, due to the risk of contracting the Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses.

Council’s environmental health co-ordinator, Greg O’Donnell, says the combination of heavy rainfall and large seasonal high tides are likely to result in substantial increases in mosquito populations over the coming weeks.

“The major nuisance-biting and disease carrying species in the region, the saltmarsh mosquito, can fly many kilometres and therefore is almost impossible to control or eradicate,” he said.

“With arboviruses such as Ross River and Barmah Forest present in the region, extra care should be taken to avoid exposure to mosquito bites by covering up when outside at dawn and dusk as well as using an insect repellent containing either DEET or Picaridin.

“Ross River and Barmah Forest virus infections can cause major illness with symptoms including tiredness, rash, fever and sore and swollen joints.

“These symptoms usually resolve after several days, but some people may experience these debilitating symptoms for weeks or even months.”

Mr O’Donnell said there was no specific treatment for these viruses so prevention depended on avoiding mosquito bites, especially in the summer and autumn months when infections peaked.

He advises that people take appropriate steps to protect themselves including:

• Avoiding mosquito breeding areas (eg wetlands) where possible;

• Avoiding outside activity around dusk and dawn;

• Wearing loose fitting, light-coloured clothing that fully covers the legs and arms;

• Applying insect repellent that contains the chemical diethyl toulamide (DEET) or Picaridin on any exposed skin;

• Using mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents;

• Ensuring infants and children are adequately protected against mosquito bites, preferably with suitable clothing, bed nets or other forms of insect screening.

To reduce mosquito breeding around the home:

• Empty tarpaulins covering boats and trailers after rain;

• Empty all pot plant bases at least once a week or fill with damp sand;

• Empty or dispose of cans, tyres and other water holding containers;

• Flush out bird baths, pet water bowls and small water features regularly;

• Clear out gutters and check for water pooling;

• Check that water tanks are screened with wire gauze no coarser than 1mm mesh to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in the tank;

• Ensure doors and windows are fitted with good quality insect screens and completely mosquito-proof;

• Control mosquitoes that enter your house or caravan with a ‘knock-down’ insecticide aerosol spray.

For more information on Ross River and Barmah Forest virus infections visit the NSW Health website at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/infectious/.