3 March 2011
People with septic tanks are being urged to increase their vigilance against mosquitoes, with recent flooding providing ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed in and around the waste receptacles.
"The common banded mosquito can breed in exceptional numbers in rural flooded areas containing septic tanks and their infiltration trenches, and recent record rains in the Top End have set up ideal mosquito breeding conditions," DoH Director of Entomology Peter Whelan 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," he said.
Mr Whelan warned that all Territorians need to be wary of encouraging mosquitoes in to their homes with backyard clutter and water-filled containers.
"Water-filled pot plant drip trays, old tyres, tins, drums, boats, palm frond bases, animal water containers, plant buckets, disused fish ponds and roof gutters all make perfect mosquito breeding grounds," he said.
"Roof gutters need to be cleaned of debris to ensure they are free draining, and water holding receptacles need to be tipped out and stored under cover. Rainwater tanks should be inspected to ensure they are sealed against mosquito entry."
The warnings come with the start of the three month peak risk period for Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) and Kunjin virus disease in the NT and the continuation of the Ross River (RRV) and Barmah Forest viruses risk season.
To avoid mosquito borne diseases, residents are urged to use personal mosquito protection, and to avoid outdoor exposure around flooded areas or where mosquitoes are active, especially after sundown, from now until June.
"MVE 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," Mr Whelan said.
"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.
"Infection with Kunjin virus can cause symptoms that are similar to Ross River virus disease, such as swollen and aching joints, fever, headache and rash. However in rare cases, Kunjin can cause more severe symptoms which include severe headache, neck stiffness, fever, and delirium."
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 sooner.
It is important to avoid mosquito bites by taking a few simple steps, such as:
- 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 by pest control companies for use around residential grounds or public amenities of night time exposure
- use mosquito-proof accommodation and camping facilities at night
- wear protective 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 when out doors at night in areas of mosquito activity
- use other mosquito protection devices such as mosquito lanterns or insecticide pads or coils as a supplement to protective clothing in exposed situations such as patios or verandahs; and ensure children are adequately protected against mosquito bites.
Media contact: Bridget Wild 89 992 751 or 0431 619 902
