Mosquitoes and arboviruses

Mosquitoes are insects which have the potential to carry diseases such as Japanese Encephalitis, Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus in this area.

• Japanese Encephalitis keyboard_arrow_right

  Japanese Encephalitis was detected in the Albury area during the summer of 2021/22. Due to localised flooding creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, it is expected that the risk of Japanese Encephalitis will be compounded this season.

  • Most commonly occurs during summer and autumn.
  • Symptoms may include; neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, coma, seizures. If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical treatment.
  • Among those who develop severe infection, some will go on to experience permanent neurological complications or possibly death.
  • Symptoms, if they are to occur, usually develop 5 to 15 days after being bitten by infected mosquitoes.
  • Fatalities have been recorded from this disease in this region.
  • Diagnosis is by blood test.
  • There is a vaccine available.
  • For more information visit NSW Health - Japanese Encephalitis.
• Ross River & Barmah Forest Virus keyboard_arrow_right
  • Most commonly occurs during summer and autumn.
  • Symptoms may include fever, rashes, and arthritis.
  • No fatalities have been recorded from these diseases.
  • Symptoms may last from several weeks to several months or years resulting in reduced productivity and reduced quality of life.
  • Diagnosis is by blood test.
  • There is no specific cure or vaccine available.
  • For more information visit Ross River & Barmah Forest.
• Murray Valley & Kunjin Encephalitis keyboard_arrow_right
  • Outbreaks often linked to extreme rainfall and flooding.
  • Symptoms may include a sudden onset of fever; anorexia and headache are common, while vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea and dizziness may also be experienced.
  • Severe cases may include lethargy, irritability, drowsiness, confusion, convulsions and fits.
  • May result in coma and death.
  • Diagnosis is by blood test.
  • There is no specific cure or vaccine available.
  • For more information visit Murray Valley & Kunjin Encephalitis.

• Avoid mosquito bites keyboard_arrow_right

  The mosquitoes that transmit JEV are most active at dawn and dusk and into the evening. Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours, avoid the outdoors if possible or take preventive actions.

• Personal protection measures keyboard_arrow_right
  • Wear light coloured, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks (to reduce skin exposure). There are insecticides (e.g. permethrin) available for treating clothing for those spending extended periods outdoors.
  • Apply repellent to all areas of exposed skin, especially those that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus which are the most effective against mosquitoes. The strength of a repellent determines the duration of protection with the higher concentrations providing longer periods of protection. Always check the label for reapplication times.
  • Reapply repellent after swimming. The duration of protection from repellent is also reduced with perspiration, such as during strenuous activity or hot weather so it may need to be reapplied more frequently.
  • Apply the sunscreen first and then apply the repellent. Be aware that DEET-containing repellents may decrease the sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreens so you may need to re-apply the sunscreen more frequently.
  • For children in particular - most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged 3 months and older when used according to directions, although some formulations are only recommended for children aged 12 months and older - always check the product information. Infants aged less than 3 months can be protected from mosquitoes by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting that is secured along the edges.
• Environmental measure keyboard_arrow_right
  • Stay and sleep in rooms protected with flyscreens and check screens do not have any rips or holes.
  • Make sure your tent is well protected with flyscreens when camping, or sleep under mosquito nets.
  • Use over-the-counter insecticide sprays when mosquitoes are present inside the room, especially behind furniture and in dark places.
  • Reduce all water holding containers around the home where mosquitoes could breed. Mosquitoes only need a small amount of liquid to breed.
  • Use mosquito coils and other devices that release insecticides to assist reducing mosquito bites, these should be used in combination with topical insect repellents.

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