Mosquito borne illnesses spread sparks warning
5 January 2012
Health departments in SA, WA and NSW are warning locals and travellers to avoid mosquito bites in light of an increase in potentially fatal mosquito borne illnesses.
Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus have been active between Perth and Busselton in WA for some weeks, while more recent warnings have been issued for Kunjin virus in WA's wheatbelt and northern SA as well as Murray Valley encephalitis in the Kimberley and western and southern NSW.
A warm and wet winter has contributed to increased mosquito numbers and greater prevalence of mosquito transmittable diseases across the southern states.
WA department of health acting medical entomologist Dr Peter Neville said Murray Valley encephalitis virus was a serious disease. Initial symptoms include fever, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck, nausea and dizziness. In young children, fever might be the only early sign and severe cases can result in fits, coma, permanent brain damage or death.
Kunjin virus usually results in a milder illness than Murray Valley encephalitis. Dr Neville said Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses caused similar symptoms, including painful joints, aching muscles, lethargy, fever, headache and skin rashes, and symptoms can last from days to months.
NSW Health issued its Murray Valley encephalitis warning after the disease was found in sentinel chickens (birds placed in a specific area which are tested periodically for the presence of certain diseases) near Leeton, Hay and Moama in the south of the state. Risk areas include rivers and recently flooded areas west of the Great Dividing Range.
Kunjin virus has been detected in some sentinel birds in SA’s far north this year, but no human cases have occurred in the state for more than 20 years.
As there are no specific cures or vaccines for these diseases, health officials advise preventative measures should be taken including:
- avoiding outdoor exposure around dawn and dusk;
- wearing protective (long, loose-fitting) clothing when outdoors;
- applying a personal repellent containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin to exposed skin or clothing;
- ensuring insect screens are installed and completely mosquito-proof.
Last Reviewed: 05 January 2012
