ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Paul Kelly has urged ACT residents to protect themselves against mosquitoes following the large increase in detections of mosquito-borne viruses in NSW.

“ACT Health is advising Canberrans to avoid exposure to mosquitoes over these Easter holidays.

“There has been an increase in the number of notifications of mosquito borne diseases and the detection of mosquitoes carrying viruses in some parts of rural NSW,” Dr Kelly said.

“NSW is seeing ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes capable of carrying diseases like Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, Kunjin and Murray Valley Encephalitis.

“Mosquito borne diseases can cause symptoms including tiredness, rash, fever, and sore and swollen joints.

“The symptoms of mosquito-borne disease may vary in severity from person to person and generally last a few days, however some people may experience these symptoms for weeks or even months,” Dr Kelly said.

“As there is no specific treatment for these viruses, the best way to avoid infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Simple steps to avoid mosquito bites include:

• Avoid being outside unprotected, during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• When outside, cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear.
• Apply mosquito repellent regularly to exposed areas.
• For children under three months, use physical barriers such as netting on prams and cots, rather than repellent.
• When camping, use flyscreens, or sleep under mosquito nets.
• Limit mosquito breeding areas by emptying outdoor containers that hold water.

“If people become unwell with symptoms of a mosquito-borne virus they should see their GP,” Dr Kelly concluded.