The public is being warned to expect a steep rise in salt marsh mosquito numbers around the Top End from November 23 to December 7.
The recent high tide has resulted in extensive areas of salt marsh mosquito breeding in coastal swamps around Shoal Bay. Aerial spraying of a bacterial insecticide was carried out by the Department of Health and Families which covered over 250 hectares of Leanyer, Holmes Jungle and Mickett's Creek swamps earlier this week. Follow up surveys indicate the aerial control has successfully eliminated the larvae in all the breeding sites sprayed.
Advice and Control Officer Allan Warchot said that despite this spraying, areas outside the 5km limit of control are expected to produce an influx of adult mosquitoes.
"High pest problems are expected to affect Darwin's northern suburbs nearest the Leanyer Swamp, in particular Leanyer, Malak and Karama. Moderate pest problems are expected to affect Brinkin and Tiwi, due to dispersal around the tip of Lee Point from Buffalo Creek and the coastal swamps around Shoal Bay," Mr Warchot said.
"Areas of Palmerston nearest to Mitchell, Brooking and Hudson creeks are also likely to experience moderate pest problems. Non-residential areas particularly affected will include Lee Point, Buffalo Creek, Holmes Jungle and the Leanyer shooting range.
"Rural areas likely to be affected by high numbers include areas close to Noogoo, Millner and Howard Swamps, including Knuckey's Lagoon, Robertson Barracks and Howard Springs. "
Other NT coastal areas within 5-10 km of brackish swamps and tidal creeks, particularly those associated with large salt marsh and flood plains can also expect large numbers of salt marsh mosquitoes.
"Outlying communities likely to be most affected include Melville Island, those near the tidal areas of Maningrida, around the Arnhem land coast, Roper River, Borroloola and Wadeye," Mr Warchot said.
The salt marsh mosquito can carry Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses. The risk for Ross River virus disease is increased at this time of the year due to increased mosquito activity. People infected with Ross River or Barmah Forest virus may develop 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 up to 6 months.
People are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites by using insect
repellant containing 20% DEET or Picaridin; wearing protective clothing and avoiding
areas near coastal swamps and mangrove areas - especially around dusk.
Media Enquiries: Cameron Jackson 0401 116 144
Release date: 21 November 2008
