People in Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) are being encouraged to Spray Up – Cover Up – Screen Up, to protect from mosquito bites, during the summer holidays.
Director of Public Health, Alison Nikitas said high to very high levels of mosquitoes have been found through surveillance at some sites in MLHD.
“Mosquitoes thrive in wet, warm conditions like those that much of NSW is experiencing,” Ms Nikitas said.
“They can carry viruses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE), Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) and Ross River Virus (RRV).
“These viruses may cause serious diseases with symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, headache, and sore and swollen joints to rare but severe symptoms of seizures and loss of consciousness.
“People should take extra care to protect themselves against mosquito bites and mosquito-borne disease over the warmer months when mosquitoes are about.”
The NSW Health sentinel chicken program also provides early warning about the presence of serious mosquito borne diseases, like JE, MVE and RRV.
A free vaccine to protect against JE infection is available to those at highest risk in NSW and people can check their eligibility on NSW Health’s Japanese encephalitis vaccination page.
People are encouraged to take actions to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of acquiring a mosquito-borne virus by:
- Applying repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Be sure to apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent. Check the label for reapplication times.
- Wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks.
- Avoiding going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes. Mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas.
- Covering windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps.
- Removing items that may collect water, such as old tyres and empty pots, from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed.
- Using repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions. Infants aged less than three months can be protected by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges.
- While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net.
For more information go to NSW Health’s Mosquito borne infection page.
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