Wednesday, April 15, 2020

HEALTH ALERT | Please take extra precautions to protect yourself against mosquito bites

Girl sprays herself with mosquito repellant

The NSW Arbovirus Surveillance and Mosquito Monitoring Program recently detected Barmah Forest Virus in mosquitoes in areas around the Georges River, according to a press release issued earlier this month by the South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD)

According to the SWSLHD’s Public Health Unit Director, Dr Naru Pa, “Barmah Forest virus and Ross River virus are spread by mosquitoes that feed on infected animals.’’

“Symptoms may include tiredness, rash, fever, and sore and swollen joints. While these symptoms usually subside after several days, some people may experience these symptoms for weeks, or even months,’’ Dr Pal said.

Members of the public should see their local doctor if they experience these symptoms.

Dr Pal said there was no specific treatment for these viruses. “The best way to avoid infection is to avoid being bitten,’’ Dr Pal said.

Simple steps to avoid mosquito bites include:

  • Avoid being outside, unprotected, when mosquitoes are common at dawn and dusk.
  • When outside, cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear.
  • Apply mosquito repellent regularly to exposed areas (as directed on the container). Repellents containing Diethyl Toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin are best. Those containing oil of lemon eucalyptus also provide adequate protection.
  • Don’t use repellents on the skin of children under the age of three months. Instead use physical barriers such as netting on prams, cots and play areas for babies.
  • Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units (indoors) and mosquito coils (outdoors) to clear rooms or repel mosquitoes from an area.
  • Eradicate mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as containers that hold water.
  • Use flyscreens on windows and doors of houses and keep them in good order.
  • When camping, use flyscreens, or sleep under mosquito nets.

For more information, see the NSW Health fact sheets on Barmah Forest virus and Ross River virus infections and read Georges Riverkeeper's webpage on mosquitoes in the Georges River catchment.