|
|||||
 |
18 March 2008 Mosquito warning in rural NSW
NSW Health Minister, Reba Meagher, has advised people living in or travelling to rural parts of NSW over Easter to cover up and avoid mosquito bites in light of recent increases in mosquitoborne diseases. “Anyone planning to visit the bush over Easter should be particularly careful to guard against mosquito bites,” Ms Meagher said. “Public health experts have advised that Ross River and Barmah Forest virus infections have risen over the warmer months in rural areas. “Murray Valley encephalitis has also been detected in monitoring programs in mosquitoes and chickens in the west and south west of the state. Although rare, this virus can be transmitted to humans via mosquitoes. “Residents and visitors to rural areas are advised to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and minimise their exposure to these viruses.” People can avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking steps such as avoiding being outside in the late afternoon and dusk; wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs and fitting fly screens to windows and doors. Dr Jeremy McAnulty, director of communicable disease for NSW Health said both Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus infections can cause major illness. “Symptoms include tiredness, rash, fever and sore and swollen joints that typically last several days. However, cases normally recover fully and these diseases are not life threatening,” Dr McAnulty said. “Murray Valley encephalitis is a serious mosquito-borne disease that can lead to permanent brain damage and may be fatal in severe cases. “Symptoms of Murray Valley encephalitis can include severe headache, neck stiffness, fever, seizures, delirium, vomiting, lethargy, tremors, and in severe cases, coma. Any person displaying symptoms should seek medical attention immediately,” Dr McAnulty said. Dr McAnulty said the mosquito and chicken monitoring programs, located at towns and communities throughout NSW, have detected Murray Valley encephalitis near Griffith, Leeton and in the Macquarie Marshes, north of Warren. “There have been no human cases of Murray Valley encephalitis to date, however the monitoring program result means there may be the potential for people to become infected if bitten by mosquitoes,” he said. For further information go to the fact sheet on the NSW Health website: For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au |
||||
