​NSW Health is reminding people to protect themselves from mosquito bites ahead of the Easter long weekend and upcoming school holidays.

Recent mosquito monitoring has detected Ross River virus activity in mosquito trappings in parts of greater western Sydney. Earlier this year, Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus and Barmah Forest virus activity were detected in inland areas of NSW.

NSW Health Executive Director of Health Protection, Dr Kerryn Coleman, said even though summer is over, continuing warm weather and wet conditions mean mosquitoes are still around in significant numbers, particularly in the greater Sydney region.

“The Easter long weekend and the school holidays are a time when many people travel, spend time outdoors, and take part in activities like camping and visiting parks, which can increase the risk of exposure to mosquitoes and mosquito bites,” Dr Coleman said.

“The Ross River virus activity recently detected in greater Sydney is particularly concerning because of the density of the population, so with many people planning to be outdoors, we are encouraging them to take the necessary precautions not to get bitten.

“Viruses such as Ross River and Barmah Forest can cause unpleasant symptoms, including tiredness, rash, fever, and sore and swollen joints.

“These symptoms usually last a few days, but some people may experience these symptoms for weeks or even months.

“There is no specific treatment for these viruses. The best way to avoid infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.”

NSW Health recently expanded free access to the JE vaccine to people who plan to visit high-risk local government areas​ for outdoor recreational activities including camping, caravanning, boating, hunting and fishing while mosquito activity remains high.

The JE vaccine is also free for anyone who lives or routinely works in various inland regions as well as people who work in some high-risk occupations.

People planning to travel to the high-risk regions in the school holidays should have a discussion with their vaccination provider as soon as possible.

“JE is a rare but serious illness spread by infected mosquitoes. While many people experience mild illness, it can cause severe neurological illness with headache, convulsions and reduced consciousness and in rare cases can be fatal,” Dr Coleman said.

Actions to prevent mosquito bites include:

• Applying repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times ​
• Re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Be sure to apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent
• Wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear. and socks
• Avoiding going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially dawn and dusk
• Using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas) ​
• Covering windows and d​​oors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps
• Removing items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed
• Using repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions
• Protecting infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges
• While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net
• Remember, Spray Up – Cover Up – Screen Up, to protect from mosquito bites.

For more information on protecting yourself from mosquito bites visit: Mosquito borne diseases.

Information on eligibility for a free JE vaccine is available on the NSW Health website​.