25 January 2012
Top End residents are being urged to take precautions to protect themselves against mosquitoes, as the Ross River virus (RRV) disease season nears its peak month.
Director of Medical Entomology, Peter Whelan said the risk of contracting RRV from mosquitoes carrying the disease could increase due to recent wet weather.
"Current monsoonal rains are likely to increase mosquito numbers, which in turn could see more people contracting the disease in coming weeks and months," Mr Whelan said.
Mr Whelan explained that elevated numbers of salt marsh mosquitoes and common banded mosquitoes can be expected within 5 km of their breeding grounds, including salt marsh areas, upper mangrove areas, seasonal wetlands and river and creek floodways.
"To avoid mosquito borne disease, residents are urged to use personal mosquito protection, and avoid being outdoors in wetland areas or places where mosquitoes are active, especially after sundown from now until June," he said.
Mr Whelan also explained that the container mosquito which is often found breeding in backyards, can also carry RRV.
"Rain filled containers are prime mosquito breeding grounds and need to be tipped out and stored under cover. Roof gutters need to be cleaned of debris to ensure they are free draining. Rainwater tanks should be inspected to ensure they are sealed against mosquito entry," he said.
"Flooded areas of organic pollution including areas of septic contamination should be drained as much as possible, with remnant pooling treated with methoprene pellets or the new mosquito larvicide surface film. "
People infected with RRV may develop a wide range of unpleasant symptoms, including painful or swollen joints, particularly in the hands, ankles and knees.
"Sore muscles, aching tendons, skin rash, fatigue, fever, headache and swollen lymph nodes are other signs of the illness. Symptoms can last for a few weeks, although some people experience symptoms for up to a year," Mr Whelan said.
People in the NT are advised to:
- avoid locations near coastal swamps, mangrove areas and freshwater wetlands
- avoid outdoor exposure around dusk and at night near areas of dense vegetation and other areas of high mosquito activity
- avoid outdoor activity in the evening and at night if mosquitoes are present
- use mosquito-proof accommodation and camping facilities at night
- wear light coloured clothing with long sleeves, long trousers and socks, between dusk and dawn in areas where mosquito bites are likely
- use a protective repellent containing 20 per cent DEET or Picaridin as a supplement to protective clothing when outdoors at night in areas of mosquito activity
- use mosquito coils, mosquito lanterns, and barrier sprays containing bifenthrin in patio and outdoor areas near houses
- ensure children and animals are adequately protected against mosquito bites
Media Contact: Robin Osborne 89 992 886 or 0488 692 781
