25 June 2010
Nhulunbuy residents are being urged to step up protection against mosquitoes to prevent cases of Ross River and Barmah Forest virus diseases.The warning, issued by the Department of Health and Families (DHF), coincides with a recent increase in the common banded mosquito numbers around the township. The common banded mosquito is a major vector of Ross River and Barmah Forest virus.
The common banded mosquito breeds in grassy, flooded depressions, freshwater swamps, storm water drains and waste water influenced areas. They only bite after sundown and generally are in higher numbers within one kilometre of their breeding site. The most significant breeding site is the Nhulunbuy lagoon.
Symptoms most commonly associated with Ross River and Barmah Forest virus diseases include painful or swollen joints (particularly in the hands, ankles and knees), sore muscles, aching tendons, skin rash, fatigue, fever, headache and swollen lymph nodes.
Symptoms can last from a few weeks or months, with some people experiencing symptoms for up to one year. Children are generally less affected by Ross River virus disease than adults, and tend to recover quicker.
There is no vaccine to prevent Ross River virus or Barmah Forest virus infection. Protection from being bitten is the best course of action to prevent these diseases.
People are advised to:
- avoid outdoor exposure around dusk and at night near rivers and areas of dense vegetation and other areas of high mosquito activity;
·- consider bifenthrin insecticide barrier treatments by pest control companies around residential grounds;
·- use mosquito-proof accommodation and camping facilities at night;
·- wear protective clothing including light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, long trousers, and ankle protection with 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 out doors at night in areas of mosquito activity; and
·- ensure children are adequately protected against mosquito bites.
Media contact: Dale Webster 0401 116 203
