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Stay safe from mosquito-borne diseases

Jan 8, 2025

A vaccine is available for Japanese encephalitis virus. Photo by Photographer: James Gathany

Everyone is being reminded to take steps to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases this summer, with recent wet and humid weather creating ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.

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Simple steps you can take to keep yourself and your family safe from mosquito bites include:

Wearing long, loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing.
Applying insect repellents containing picaridin or DEET on exposed skin.
Avoiding mosquitoes when they are most active, particularly around dawn and dusk.
Making sure your accommodation is fitted with mosquito screens or nets.

If camping or caravanning, keep doors and tent flaps closed to stop mosquitoes getting in, ensure mosquito screens or nets are intact, and try to avoid camping near wetland habitats where mosquitoes are likely breeding.

Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus infections increase during the summer period, and both are spread by mosquitoes.

Symptoms include fever, chills and joint pain. While most people will get better within a few weeks, for some the recovery can take months.

Japanese encephalitis, Murray Valley encephalitis and West Nile virus/Kunjin disease are rare in our region, but have the potential to cause severe disease.

The Edward River and Murray Rivcer council regions are both identified as high-risk for the Japanese encephalitis virus, and both the NSW and Victorian governments have expanded their free vaccine program.

More information about mozzie protection, bite treatment and what to do if you suspect you have one of the mosquito-borne diseases, go to www.health.nsw.gov.au/keepmozziesaway.