Territorians in the Top End are being warned to cover up and protect themselves against a predicted increase in the number of salt marsh mosquitoes between October 22 and November 3.
The warning comes as the recent rains combined with the highest tide so far this year have resulted in high numbers of salt marsh mosquito breeding in coastal swamps around Shoal Bay.
The Department of Health and Families Senior Medical Entomologist Peter Whelan said high numbers of salt marsh mosquito numbers were expected to affect areas of the northern suburbs, in particular Leanyer, Malak and Karama and areas of Palmerston nearest to Mitchell Creek, Brookings Creek and Hudson Creek.
"Other areas expected to be affected include the suburbs of Brinkin and Tiwi, Lee Point, Buffalo Creek, Holmes Jungle and the Leanyer shooting range,' Mr Whelan said.
"Residential rural areas to be affected include those nearest to Noogoo, Millners and Howard swamps, Knuckey's Lagoon, Robertson Barracks and Howard Springs.
"The rest of the Northern Territory coast can expect pest numbers within 5 km of brackish swamps and tidal creeks including those near the tidal floodplain areas of the Daly, Adelaide, Mary, Alligators and Roper rivers."
Aerial spraying was undertaken over Leanyer, Holmes Jungle and Mickett's Creek swamps last weekend.
Mr Whelan said: "Follow up surveys indicate the spraying has successfully eliminated the larvae in all the breeding sites sprayed. However, areas outside the 5km limit of control are expected to produce an influx of adult mosquitoes.
The salt marsh mosquito can carry Barmah Forest virus and Ross River virus.
People infected with Ross River or Barmah Forest virus may develop a wide range of
symptoms with the most common being 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 up to 6 months.
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 problems are advised to:
- avoid locations near coastal swamps and nearby 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 in all areas if mosquitoes are present;
- 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 wheremosquito 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: Cameron Jackson, DHF Media Liaison Officer 0401 116 144
Release date: 21 October 2008
