South Australians are being urged to protect themselves, their loved ones and their animals this summer as mosquito numbers approach their peak.


Recent high rainfall across many parts of the State, coupled with warm temperatures and ongoing high humidity levels, creates ideal environments for mosquito breeding and any mosquito could be carrying serious, untreatable disease.


There are 14 councils across South Australia taking part in mosquito trappings, including seven along the River Murray and 10 sentinel chicken flocks.


Increased numbers of mosquitos have been noted in recent weeks across the state’s 320 traps.


Over the 2022-23 summer, overall numbers of reported human infections were low with no deaths recorded, despite widespread detections of mosquito-borne viruses in traps and sentinel chickens across the state.


This reflects the increased actions people took to Fight the Bite last summer, protecting themselves and their loved ones.


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)


There have been no detections of these viruses in traps or sentinel chicken flocks this year, however this does not mean there are no infected mosquitos.


Now is the time to take simple steps to Fight the Bite and reduce the risk of mosquito bites and infection to themselves, their families and their animals.


Preventative measures for people include wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing; using insect repellent on all exposed skin surfaces (applied like sunscreen in accordance with the directions on the label); limiting outdoor activity between dusk and dawn; fitting mosquito screens to doors, windows, and vents; and eliminating mosquito breeding sites around the house.


Large numbers of mosquitoes can breed in small amounts of water so taking the time to empty or clean up water holding items around the home is encouraged.


SA Health also strongly encourages eligible people to get vaccinated against JEV.


The publicly funded vaccine is available from participating GPs and pharmacies in eligible locations.


For most, one dose provides life-long protection against JEV.


Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said the data was 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,” she said.


“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 have not 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.”