Mosquitoes can spread serious diseases
We all know mozzies can be a nuisance, but some can spread serious diseases when they bite.
The most common diseases spread by mosquitoes in South Australia are Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus.
Symptoms of these diseases include, fever, chills, rash, muscle aches, joint pain and swelling, and fatigue. Most people recover in a few weeks but sometimes symptoms can last for a few months or longer.
Murray Valley Encephalitis virus, Japanese Encephalitis virus and West Nile virus/Kunjin have also previously been detected in South Australia.
Infection with these diseases can occasionally result in inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). This can result in permanent neurological damage or death.
A vaccine is available for JEV, but there is no vaccine and no cure for any of these other viruses. Paracetamol can be used to treat the pain and fever.
Your best protection is to avoid being bitten. Cover up, repel and eliminate to fight the bite of mosquitoes.
Prepare Yourself
Using mosquito repellent is a simple thing you can do to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
There are important things to remember when applying repellent to make sure you’re protected.
Apply evenly to all areas of exposed skin – a few dabs or spraying it on your clothes won’t protect you.
Apply to skin after sunscreen.
Re-apply regularly, especially after swimming or excessive sweating, as directed.
www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/FightTheBite
Prepare Your Home
The warmer months are approaching, which means we’ll be spending more time in the backyard.
Make sure you remove water that has pooled around your home, as this can create the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Here are our tips to help fight the bite around the home:
Cover rainwater tanks, septic tank openings, wells or other large water containers with mosquito-proof mesh.
Maintain roof gutters by removing leaves and debris so that water doesn’t pool
Keep edges of dams clear of vegetation.
Empty and refill birdbaths, and pet drinking water containers, at least once a week.
Maintain and disinfect swimming pools.
Empty or cover paddling pools at the end of each day.
Remember, mosquitoes can breed in still, fresh or salty water, and often in puddles and containers.
Prepare Your Livestock
When the weather starts to warm up, so does the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
Mosquitoes aren’t just a pest to us. If you have livestock, there are steps you can take to protect them too.
Mosquitoes can carry Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) which can cause serious illness in pigs, horses and occasionally in other animals.
You can play your part to reduce the risk of JEV
Check your property regularly to manage mosquitoes:
Check animal drinking troughs for wrigglers.
Empty other containers that can hold water.
Keep gutters and drains clear of debris.
Keep any vegetation near animal sheds trimmed back.