As mosquito numbers in South Australia approach their peak this summer, residents are being urged to take proactive measures to protect themselves, their families, and their animals against potential mosquito-borne diseases.
The combination of recent high rainfall, warm temperatures, and high humidity across the state has created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.
Currently, 14 councils across South Australia are participating in mosquito trapping efforts, with significant increases in mosquito numbers observed in the state’s 320 traps. Notably, seven of these councils are along the River Murray, and there are ten sentinel chicken flocks involved in the surveillance.
Despite the detection of mosquito-borne viruses in traps and sentinel chickens across South Australia during the 2022-23 summer, human infection rates remained low, with no deaths reported. This success is attributed to the public’s heightened awareness and preventative actions under the ‘Fight the Bite’ campaign.
Over the 2022/23 season the following were notified:
- 111 cases of Ross River virus (RRV)
- Six cases of Barmah Forrest virus (BFV)
- One case of Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV)
- One case of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)
- Zero cases of West Nile virus (Kunjin variant) (WNV-K)
Although no detections of these viruses have been reported in traps or sentinel chicken flocks this year, the absence of detections does not imply that there are no infected mosquitoes. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and continue practicing preventative measures.
These include wearing light-colored, loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing, using insect repellent on exposed skin, limiting outdoor activity between dusk and dawn, installing mosquito screens, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites around homes.
SA Health is also strongly advocating for vaccination against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), especially for those in eligible areas.
The vaccine, which is publicly funded, is available at participating GPs and pharmacies, with one dose typically offering life-long protection for most individuals. Information on JEV vaccination eligibility can be found on the SA Health website.
Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said “Our data is clear – no matter where you live in South Australia, if you get bitten by a mosquito, you could be at risk of a serious or potentially fatal disease.”
“Last year we saw excellent uptake of JEV vaccine by residents along the Murray River and Lower Lakes which for most people delivers life-long protection. We still have a limited supply, so if you are new to the area or haven’t yet had your vaccination, please do so.”
“There are many other viruses spread by mosquitoes for which there is no vaccination available, meaning your best protection is prevention, regardless of your vaccination status.”
“The recent rainfall across many parts of the state means mosquito breeding will ramp up. Clearing out gutters, ensuring that rainwater and septic tank vents are screened and cleaning up or regularly emptying out any water holding containers around the home can help reduce local mosquito numbers.”
“If you are outside, make sure you wear light-coloured, loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing; use insect repellent as you would sunscreen on any exposed skin in accordance with the directions on the label and limit your outdoor activity between dusk and dawn. Protect your home, caravan or tent from mosquitoes by fitting mosquito screens to doors, windows and vents.”
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