With above average rainfall over the last few months combined with warm temperatures have created conditions for mosquito breeding.
The latest NSW Arbovirus Surveillance and Mosquito Monitoring data (January 15) shows mosquito numbers are ‘high’ in the Albury, Wagga Wagga and Griffith regions prompting Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) to issue a warning encouraging people to take precautions and avoid mosquito-infested areas.
“Mosquito numbers have increased across the Riverina, and while there have been no reported cases of Ross Rover Virus in December 2021, MLHD in encouraging with residents and visitors to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and minimise potential exposure to the virus,” MLHD Director of Public Health Tracey Oakman said.
Last month, Victorian Department of Health also issued a warning after Ross River virus was detected in mosquitoes in Moira Shire, Campaspe Shire and Greater Shepparton City Council.
Mosquito numbers are predicted to grow along the Murray River with the Bureau of Meterology forecasting above average rainfall from February to April rainfall for much of eastern Australia.
MLHD recommends the following simple steps to avoid mosquito exposure:
Screening all windows and doors to prevent mosquitos from coming inside.
Avoid being outside unprotected, particularly during dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active. 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. Repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or p-Menthane-3.8-diol (PMD) 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.
Light mosquito coils or use vaporising mats indoors. Devices that use light to attract and electrocute insects are not effective.
When mosquitos are present inside the room, use over-the-counter insecticide sprays, especially behind furniture and dark places.
When camping, use flyscreens, or sleep under mosquito nets.
Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water or by emptying the containers.
For copies of NSW Health fact sheets on mosquitoes visit health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/mosquito.aspx
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