Ross River virus detected in Anglesea mosquitos

THE Surf Coast Shire is urging people in the municipality to take special care to avoid mozzie bites after detecting Ross River virus in mosquitos trapped in Anglesea.

Earlier today (Friday, January 30), the shire says it captured the specimens as part of its routine trapping and testing program.

Ground-based larvicide treatment of mosquito breeding areas will continue in line with Victorian Department of Health advice.

Ross River virus has also been detected in mosquitoes trapped in Geelong and Gippsland during recent weeks.

People are urged to:

• Remove stagnant water which provides breeding areas for mosquitoes around homes, in places like gutters, bird baths, ponds, old tyres, pot plants, buckets and toys
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing outdoors
• Use insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin on exposed skin
• Help protect young children. Apply repellent to clothing rather than directly to skin, and
• Avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

“Simple precautions can go a long way to help keep us safe from mozzies and the diseases they can carry,” Cr Mike Bodsworth said.

“We love being outdoors this time of year, particularly during the summer evenings, but please take care and cover up including arms and legs, and use repellent with DEET or Picaridin.

Symptoms of Ross River virus can include fever, joint inflammation and pain, rash, fatigue and muscle aches.

For more information, head to betterhealth.vic.gov.au

The shire’s mosquito monitoring program includes trapping in problem areas, with specimens sent for laboratory analysis which identifies mosquito types and any diseases being carried.

For more information and tips on staying safe, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/mosquitoes