Residents in Melbourne’s north going away during these school holidays are being urged to cover up as mosquitoes are still active this time of year.
Mosquitoes carry a number of dangerous diseases including Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus and Ross River virus.
JE virus was detected in Victoria earlier this year and can potentially cause serious infection of the brain.
Increased mosquito numbers have been detected along the Murray River with ongoing mosquito trapping and testing being carried out to help identify high-risk areas.
With an increase in visitors to the region expected over the Easter break, Deputy Chief Health Officer Associate Professor Deborah Friedman is urging people to take any necessary precautions to protect themselves from being bitten.
“Anyone is potentially at risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and while most bites will only cause minor swelling and irritation, an infected mosquito carries a higher risk,” she said.
People are being reminded to wear long, loose fitting clothes outdoors, use effective mosquito repellents containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin and use mosquito coils, which can be effective in small outdoor areas where you gather to sit or eat.
For more information: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/beat-bite.
