Communities across the Hunter New England region are being urged to protect themselves against mosquito bites to protect themselves from mosquito borne viruses.
Dr David Durrheim, Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) Public Health Physician, said mosquitoes can carry and spread viruses that lead to serious illness, but people can take precautions to avoid being bitten.
“It is really important to protect yourself from mosquito bites as mosquitoes can spread viruses including Barmah Forest, Ross River and Gan Gan viruses in coastal regions,” Dr Durrheim said.
“Symptoms following infection can include painful swollen joints, skin rashes, fever, fatigue, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes. The fatigue and painful joints can persist for weeks and even months.”
Inland, in addition to Ross River virus, mosquitoes bites can also result in infections of Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Murray Valley Encephalitis, and Kunjin viruses that can cause severe disease and even death.
“A recent case of Kunjin virus has been detected in the New England region. In addition, recent detections of JE virus in pigs and mosquitoes in NSW and detections in Victoria and Queensland, highlight the risk of JE virus infection in a large stretch of NSW west of the Great Dividing Range. Residents are urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”
“Importantly, there is a safe, effective, and free vaccine to protect against JE which is available to anyone who lives or routinely works in the Upper Hunter and other Local Government Areas in New England, and for people who work in some other high-risk occupations.”
JE vaccine is available through local General Practitioners, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists.
People who meet the eligibility criteria should make an appointment with their GP, Aboriginal Medical Service or pharmacy and let the provider know it is for the JE vaccine. These providers may require a few days’ notice so they can order the vaccine.
Actions to prevent mosquito bites include:
- Applying repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET or picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times
- Re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Be sure to apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent
- Wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear with socks
- Avoiding going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially dawn and dusk
- Using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas)
- Covering windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps
- Removing items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed
- Using repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions
- Protecting infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges
- While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net
For further information on JE virus and ways to protect yourself visit Mosquito borne diseases.
Media Release: Hunter New England Local Health District
