21 September 2010
Top Enders are being warned to cover up and avoid mosquito breeding areas like creeks and swamps amid predictions of a bumper salt marsh mosquito season this Build-Up Season.Salt marsh mosquitoes can carry the Barmah Forest and Ross River viruses, and according to DHF Acting Director of Medical Entomology, Ms Nina Kurucz, recent rains and unusually high monthly tides in August and September have created the perfect breeding conditions.
"A substantial hatch has created a major pest problem for the last 12 days of September, with areas close to bodies of water the worst affected," Ms Kurucz said.
Areas where mosquitoes are expected to be most prevalent are:
Darwin:
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Palmerston:
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Rural Area:
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Tidal Floodplains:
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Inland Areas:
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The rest of the Northern Territory can expect elevated numbers of mosquitoes within 10 kms to 20 kms of large brackish swamps and larger tidal creeks and rivers.
"Aerial spraying of a bacteria-based insecticide was undertaken over Leanyer, Holmes Jungle and Mickett's Creek swamps from 9 to 12 September, with a total of 224 hectares treated, and other Darwin areas were treated with slow release mosquito hormone pellets or briquettes," Ms Kurucz said.
"Areas outside the 5km limit of control are expected to produce an influx of salt marsh mosquitoes from the huge breeding areas around the mouth of Howard River and other areas around Shoal Bay," Ms Kurucz added.
Ms Kurucz says people infected with Ross River or Barmah Forest virus may develop a wide range of symptoms, the most common of which are:
- painful or swollen joints (particularly in the hands, ankles and knees)
- sore muscles
- aching tendons
- skin rash
- fatigue
- fever
- headache
- swollen lymph nodes
"Symptoms generally last for a few weeks or months, though in some cases they can linger for up to 6 months," Ms Kurucz said.
Protection against bites is the best course of action as there is no vaccine to prevent Ross River or Barmah Forest virus.
People in the Top End experiencing mosquito pest problems are advised to:
- avoid locations near coastal swamps and mangrove areas;
- avoid outdoor exposure around dusk and at night near areas of dense vegetation and other areas of high mosquito activity;
- reduce 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% 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: Bridget Wild 89 992 751, 0401 116 144
