Published on Thursday, 23 March 2017 at 12:00:00 AM
Residents in Tom Price and Paraburdoo in particular are being urged to cover up and avoid mosquito bites following five confirmed cases of Ross River Virus (RRV).
To date we’ve had four cases in Paraburdoo and one in Tom Price Shire President Kerry White warned.
“The rainfall over summer has enabled breeding of mosquitoes in large numbers in many coastal and inland areas within the Shire.
“Ross River virus disease, Barmah Forest virus (BFV), as well as the rare, but potentially fatal Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) are caused by viruses that are transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Several mosquito species are known to carry RRV and BFV.
“Symptoms of RRV include painful or swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, fatigue and headaches. Symptoms can last for weeks or months and the only way to properly diagnose the viruses is by having a specific blood test. There is no cure for RRV so it is very important that people take care to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.
“The Shire’s Environmental Health team have been taking steps to minimise mosquito numbers, including completing detailed inspections of all standing water sites and applying larvicide to prevent mosquito larvae from emerging into adults. However even with this, these viruses will remain a threat because it is not possible to eliminate all mosquitoes. Therefore we urge people to take their own measures as well to reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases,” Cr White said.
The Department of Health is also reminding residents and travellers in the north of Western Australia to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. The warning follows a significant increase in Ross River Virus cases in the Kimberley, as well as evidence of the first Murray Valley encephalitis activity for 2017.
WA Health’s Senior Scientific Officer, Dr Andrew Jardine, said there had been a confirmed detection of MVE in the east Kimberley region and probable detections of MVE and Kunjin virus in the Pilbara region.
“While no human cases of MVE or Kunjin have been reported in WA since 2011, evidence of the viruses has now been detected in sentinel chicken flocks, which are used as an early warning system for virus activity,” Dr Jardine said.
“Both viruses are only carried by mosquitoes, and while the risk of being infected and becoming unwell is low, the illnesses can be severe.
“It is important that people in the north of WA protect themselves from mosquito bites for the next several weeks and into the Easter holiday period.”
Initial symptoms of MVE include fever, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck, nausea and dizziness. People experiencing these symptoms should seek medical advice quickly. In severe cases, people may experience fits, lapse into a coma, and may be left with permanent brain damage or die.
In young children, fever might be the only early sign, so parents should see their doctor if concerned, particularly if their child experiences drowsiness, floppiness, irritability, poor feeding, or general distress.
People do not need to alter their plans to visit the Kimberley or Pilbara regions, but it is important they take some simple steps to avoid mosquito bites when camping, fishing or undertaking any other activity outdoors.
Here are some simple but important steps people can take to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:
- Avoiding outdoor exposure particularly around dawn and dusk (and the first few hours after dark)
- Wearing protective (long, loose-fitting, light coloured) clothing when outdoors
- Applying a personal repellent containing 20% diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin to exposed skin or clothing. The most effective and long-lasting formulations are lotions or gels.
- Ensuring insect screens are installed and in good condition. The use of bed nets will offer further protection
- Using mosquito nets or mosquito-proof tents when camping or sleeping outdoors
- Ensuring infants and children are adequately protected against mosquito bites, preferably with suitable clothing, bed nets or other forms of insect screening.
Residents can also minimise mosquito breeding around the home by taking some simple steps such as:
- Dispose of all containers which hold water
- Stock ornamental ponds with fish and keep vegetation away from the water's edge
- Keep swimming pools well chlorinated, filtered and free of dead leaves
- Fill or drain depressions in the ground that hold water
- Fit mosquito proof covers to vent pipes on septic tank systems. Seal all gaps around the lid and ensure leach drains are completely covered
- Screen rainwater tanks with insect proof mesh, including inlet, overflow and inspection ports
- Ensure guttering does not hold water
- Empty pot plant drip trays once a week or fill them with sand
- Empty and clean animal and pet drinking water bowls once a week.
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