Early summer warnings for mosquito season

NORTHERN NSW Health is urging residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites this summer after early-season detections of mosquito-borne viruses in NSW and Victoria.

Routine surveillance in Cowra detected Kunjin virus, while mosquito samples in Horsham, Victoria, recently tested positive for Japanese Encephalitis virus.

NSW Health advises people to apply insect repellent, wear light long-sleeved clothing and avoid outdoor activity during peak mosquito times such as dawn and dusk.

Residents are also encouraged to remove items that collect water, check fly screens and use insect control measures including sprays, coils and vapour devices.

Associate director of North Coast Population and Public Health Robin Auld said precautions were important even though there had been no local detections in Northern NSW.

“Mosquito numbers will likely increase with warmer weather, and we remind everyone in the region to protect themselves against mosquito bites,” Auld said.

“There are now 60 NSW Local Government Areas that are considered to be at higher risk of Japanese Encephalitis virus.

“Residents and travellers to Lismore, Richmond Valley and Kyogle LGAs should take particular care to avoid mosquito bites.

“The (JE) vaccine is free to anyone who lives or routinely works in Lismore, Richmond Valley and Kyogle, and for people who work in some other high-risk occupations.”

NSW Health said there was no specific treatment for Kunjin virus or most other mosquito-borne diseases, with the exception of the JE vaccine.

More information is available at health.nsw.gov.au/mosquitoes.