Mosquito health warning

25 March 2011

Residents and visitors in the Murray Valley and Bendigo are being warned to protect themselves against mosquitoes.

New detections of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVEv) has been found in sentinel chickens at Cobram, Rutherglen, Toolamba and Bendigo.

These latest detections follow positive results in chickens in similar areas a month ago, including Barmah, Kerang and Tooleybuc just across the border in New South Wales near Swan Hill.

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr John Carnie, said there have still been no confirmed cases of MVEv in humans.

“Usual symptoms of Murray Valley encephalitis virus disease include severe headache, high fever, drowsiness, tremor and seizures.

“People experiencing such symptoms should seek urgent medical attention from their GP or their local hospital.”

Since 1974, flocks of chickens have been placed at locations throughout the Murray River region to act as an early warning system for possible human infections with this disease. Currently there are 13 flocks along the Murray and in some other rural areas of Victoria.

There are simple precautions that people can take to help protect against mosquitoes.

“Mosquitoes are at their most active at dawn and dusk. However, with the extensive flood waters in and around a number of towns mosquitoes are presently being seen throughout the day,” Dr Carnie said.

To reduce the chances of being bitten, people in mosquito-prone areas should cover up by wearing long, loose-fitting clothing and use insect repellents containing picaridin or DEET as an active ingredient on exposed skin areas when camping, in their gardens or at barbecues.

Householders should ensure that insect screens fitted to doors and windows are in good condition.

Mosquito numbers can be reduced by getting rid of stagnant water around the home or campsites. Mosquitoes will breed in anything that can hold water including old tyres, unused fish ponds and pot plant holders. As mosquitoes take about 10 days to breed, water containers should be emptied at least once a week.

Further information

For more information including fact sheets, brochures and posters, visit the Better Health Channel website.