Mosquito-Borne Virus Ross River Detected In Griffith First Time This Season

Griffith City Council has advised residents and visitors to the area to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

The first detection of mosquito-borne virus Ross River has been detected in the most recent mosquito sample collected in a trap in Griffith.

Council’s Environmental and Public Health Coordinator Vanessa Johns said although mosquito numbers were declining, it was a timely reminder to the community to be vigilant to prevent mosquito bites.

“Symptoms of the Ross River Virus include muscle pain, rash, fever, headache, joint swelling and tiredness or weakness,” Ms Johns said.

“There is no specific treatment available for Ross River virus infection.

“Your doctor will be able to recommend how to treat the symptoms.”

The best protection against all mosquito-borne viruses is to avoid getting bitten.

You can:

• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs when outdoors;
• Wear socks and covered footwear, especially around dusk and dawn;
• Apply repellent, containing DEET, picardin or lemon eucalyptus oil to all areas of exposed skin;
• Reapply repellent regularly, especially after swimming. Be sure to always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent;
• Cover openings such as windows and doors with insect screens and make sure there are no gaps in them;
• Remove items that might collect water outside your house where mosquitos can breed - like old tyres or empty pots;
• Improve drainage on your properly so that water does not become stagnant; and
• Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to keep mosquitos away. Only use mosquito coils outside.

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• Health & Wellbeing