Residents in the Barkly region are being urged to protect themselves against mosquitoes after the recent rain to prevent cases of Ross River virus (RRV) and Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) disease.
The main mosquitoes that transmit RRV and MVEV in the Barkly region area are the common banded mosquito and the floodwater mosquito while the receptacle breeding mosquito is also known to potentially infect humans with RRV.
Acting Director of Medical Entomology Nina Kurucz said residents in the Barkly region should avoid outdoor exposure around flooded areas - especially after sundown.
"Suburban storm water drains, sewage ponds, waste water ponds, and vegetated fresh water swamps are all potential breeding sites for the common banded mosquito.
"The floodwater mosquito also breeds in grassy depressions, and will bite in shaded areas during the day and also at night," she said.
And Ms Kurucz said artificial water filled containers are also prime locations for certain mozzies to breed in.
"The receptacle breeding mosquito breeds in anything around the house that holds water including pot plant drip trays, old tires, drums, boats, palm frond bases and roof gutters. Make sure the gutters on your roof are free draining then check your yard for any container that can hold water. Tip the water out and, if possible, eliminate the container to prevent potential mosquito problems," said Ms Kurucz.
Symptoms most commonly associated with RRV 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. These symptoms can last from a few weeks to one year. Children are generally less affected by RRV disease than adults, and tend to recover quicker.
There is no vaccine to prevent RRV infection. Protectionis the best course of action.
MVEV disease symptoms can include severe headache, high fever, drowsiness, tremor, seizures (especially in young children), and in some cases the disease progresses to delirium, coma, permanent brain damage or death. In young children, fever might be an early sign. If the child also has drowsiness, floppiness, poor feeding or general distress, parents should consult a doctor.
To minimize mosquito problems in your area you should:
- Avoid outdoor exposure around dusk, and at night, near rivers and areas of dense vegetation as well as other areas of high mosquito activity;
- Consider bifenthrin insecticide barrier treatments, sold by pest control companies, for use around residential grounds;
- Regularly search the yard for containers holding water. Drain any empty containers once per week, store under cover, turn over and treat with methoprene insecticide pellets, or eliminate;
- 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.
Mosquito monitoring in Tennant Creek is conducted by the environmental health officer, in conjunction with Department of Health and Families in Darwin. Traps are set weekly during the wet season and the mosquitoes are identified by Medical Entomology in Darwin.
Medical Entomology will visit Tennant Creek in early February to conduct house to house surveys, as a follow up of the successful dengue mosquito eradication program.
For more information on mosquitoes and virus ecology contact the Northern Territory Department of Health and Families, Medical Entomology on 8922 8901.
Media Contact: Cameron Jackson, 0401 116 144
Release date: 20 January 2009
