Port Stephen
With all the recent rains in Port Stephens, there’s an increased risk of mosquito borne disease throughout the LGA.
Japanese Encephalitis (JEV) is a mosquito borne virus that can cause disease in humans (as well as horses and pigs). The virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and can’t be transmitted from human to human. The majority of people infected will show mild or no symptoms, but in less than 1% of cases it can cause a serious illness.
The Environmental Health Team at Port Stephens Council are monitoring the situation and provide the following advice.
The only protection against mosquito borne disease is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitos, some tips to avoid bites are:
- cover up while outside with loose, light coloured clothing and covered footwear
- avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk
- apply insect repellent on exposed skin that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos
- cover openings such as windows and doors with insect screens
- remove water-holding containers outside your house where mosquitoes can breed
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