Mosquito danger heightened

Mosquito danger heightened

South Australians are being encouraged to remain vigilant and avoid exposure to mosquitoes, following confirmed cases of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in SA.

Department for Health and Wellbeing’s Health Protection and Licensing Services executive director Dr Chris Lease said there had been eight confirmed cases of JEV notified in SA, including one death.

“It is crucial that we all continue to take extra precautions against mosquitoes and continue to ‘fight the bite’,” he said.

“People planning activities around the River Murray are warned to be especially vigilant, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.”

Most people who are infected with flaviviruses such as JEV, Kokobera virus, West Nile virus, and Murray Valley encephalitis virus are asymptomatic or develop a mild febrile illness.

A small proportion of infected people will develop encephalitis, which may be fatal or cause long-term neurological damage.

Symptoms of encephalitis may include confusion, headaches, neck stiffness, tremors, drowsiness and seizures.

Families with young children should be especially mindful of mosquito bites, as children under five years-of-age have a higher risk of developing encephalitis if infected with JEV.

Dr Lease said while there were some vaccines available for flaviviruses, personal and household protective measures remain the first line of defence in avoiding mosquito bites and other mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River virus infection.

“If you are outside, apply an insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, and try to stop mosquitoes coming indoors,” Dr Lease said.

“Cover up with long, loose fitting and light-coloured clothing.

“Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing such as jeans or leggings.

“Mosquito coils can also be useful when outside but do not leave them burning unattended and always remember to extinguish them carefully by breaking the smouldering end off, immersing it in water and storing it away from the house to completely cool.

“Aerosol knockdown or surface insect sprays can also help control mosquitoes indoors but always follow instructions on the label.

“Simple changes around the home can help to reduce and eliminate mosquitoes such as cleaning up water around the house to prevent breeding and installing mosquito-proof mesh on doors and windows.”

Spiderman SE’s Michael Cutting said his pest control business often took a three-step approach to control mosquitoes.

“Spraying a house will help. We can do a surface spray, which will kill any mosquitos that land on the treated surface. We can also install automated aerosol units in outdoor living spaces that work in conjunction to eradicate them,” he said.

“We have a sachet product, which looks similar to a teabag, and it’s got an insect growth regulator (IGR) in there that actually stops the life cycle.

“This compliments our surface spray treatments for mosquito control.

“IGRs work to keep mosquitoes in the immature larval stage and will kill them before they reach adulthood.

“They are good for any bodies of water such as drains or greywater pits.”

Mount Gambier’s Food for Thought is urging people to take action to stop mosquitoes from biting them in the first instance.

Owner and naturopath Joanne Whitehead said natural insect repellent provided a safeguard when outside.

“Things like citronella and lavender can be really helpful,” she said

“We have also found that B vitamins can be helpful, particularly B1, as when you have that in your system the mosquitoes do not like to bite you.

“Keeping your body, particularly the immune system, nice and healthy with a good diet can be beneficial in prevention of illness caused by any type of virus carried by mosquitoes.

“Nutritional and herbal supplements can also be beneficial in keeping the body’s immune response working well.”

Why wait? Get more stories like this delivered straight to your inbox
Join our digital edition mailing list and stay up to date on the latest news, events and special announcements from across the Limestone Coast.

Your local real estate guide - every Thursday

spot_img

You might also like