LOCAL residents, and visitors to Mansfield Shire, are being urged to take steps to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases this summer, with recent wet and humid weather creating ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.
The warning comes after the first probable human case of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in Victoria this summer has been identified in a resident of northern Victoria.
Victoria's acting chief health officer, Dr Christian McGrath, said the JE virus has also been detected through environmental surveillance in northern Victoria along the Murray River, and in mosquitoes and feral pigs in New South Wales this summer.
He said these findings indicate that JE virus is likely circulating in northern Victoria this summer.
JE virus can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain and is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes.
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Mosquitoes also spread Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus infections during the summer period across Victoria, together with rarer Murray Valley encephalitis and West Nile virus/Kunjin disease.
Victorian Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, said people need to be mindful of the health risks mosquitoes can pose.
Simple steps you can take to keep yourself and your family safe from mosquito bites include:
• wearing long, loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing;
• applying insect repellents containing picaridin or DEET on exposed skin;
• avoiding mosquitoes when they are most active, particularly around dawn and dusk; and
• making sure your accommodation is fitted with mosquito screens or nets.
If camping or caravanning, keep doors and tent flaps closed to stop mosquitos getting in, ensure mosquito screens or nets are intact, and try to avoid camping near wetland habitats where mosquitos are likely breeding.
For more information about protecting yourself from mosquito-borne diseases, visit the Better Health Channel and Department of Health websites.
Residents of Mansfield Shire who are two months or older are eligible for a free JE vaccine.
For more information on eligibility or access, visit www.health.vic.gov.au or contact your Local Public Health Unit.
