Mosquitoes are spreading dangerous diseases in the south-west
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The Department of Health is advising people living and holidaying in the south-west of the State to take precautions against mosquito bites following detection of Ross River virus in mosquito monitoring programs in the Peel and Busselton regions for the first time this season.
Cases of Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus diseases have also been reported from the south-west and Perth.
The Department's Medical Entomologist Dr Mike Lindsay said the viruses that cause these diseases were transmitted to people through the bite of infected mosquitoes and were most active in the South-west during late spring and summer.
"While routine monitoring shows the numbers of mosquitoes in the region are only average for this time of year, the current activity of the viruses means it is important that people protect themselves from mosquitoes," he said.
Dr Lindsay said Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus could cause painful or swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, chronic fatigue and headaches.
"These symptoms can be very debilitating and last for weeks and sometimes months," he said.
"The only way to properly diagnose the viruses is by having a blood test requested by your doctor."
People most at risk of being exposed to these viruses are those living or holidaying near the major tidal estuary and river systems, salt marshes and seasonal wetlands in coastal areas between Perth and Augusta, however, the viruses can be active further inland.
Dr Lindsay said local governments, the Department of Health and the University of WA were continuing to monitor the situation and mosquito management programs were in place in several high-risk areas.
"However, it is not possible to eliminate mosquitoes and there is no cure or vaccine for these debilitating diseases so personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites are a key to reducing the risk," he said.
Dr Lindsay said preventing mosquito breeding in back yards was also necessary as some domestic mosquitoes could transmit Ross River virus during outbreaks.
People should take the following important steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:
- Avoiding outdoor exposure in areas of high mosquito activity, especially around dawn and dusk
- Ensuring insect screens on houses are installed and completely mosquito-proof. If camping, use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents.
- Wearing long, loose-fitting protective clothing when outdoors in mosquito-prone areas.
- Using personal repellents containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin. The most effective and long-lasting formulations are lotions or gels. (Some natural or organic repellents may provide a degree of protection but are not as effective as DEET or picaridin).
- Ensuring infants and children are adequately protected against mosquito bites, preferably with suitable clothing, bed nets or other forms of insect screening. Only infant-strength repellents should be used on children.
- Add native fish such as Western Pygmy Perch, which feed on mosquito lava and algea to permanent water features such as fountains and Arismac Perma-Full bird baths.
- Ensure that septic systems such as Aerobic Treatment Units are sealed against mosquito intrusion.
- Empty pot plant saucers every three or four days to kill any lava that is breeding in the water.
- Avoiding outdoor exposure in areas of high mosquito activity, especially around dawn and dusk