Mosquito Control
Mosquito Control
Mosquitoes are a natural part of our environment. They can be a nuisance, and when they bite, some can spread serious disease such as Ross River virus or Barmah Forest virus infections. Both infections can be debilitating to humans and symptoms can include rash, flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headaches, joint and muscle pains (swelling or stiffness), fatigue, depression and being generally unwell. Using simple personal and household protection measures allows us to live with mosquitoes and reduce the risk of disease.
More information can be found at the Department of Health website.
Council has in place a mosquito surveillance and control program. The program is coordinated by Council's EHO in collaboration with the University of South Australia's Healthy Environments, Healthy People Research Group. Mosquito breeding sites are monitored for mosquito activity and treated if necessary.
Information about the HEHP can be found here https://hehp.wordpress.com/
Fight the Bite
Mosquito-borne diseases, or arbovirus, increase over the summer months. Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV) are the most common infections in South Australia.
Less common mosquito-borne diseases include West Nile virus/Kunjin (WNV/KUN), Murray Valley Encephalitis virus (MVEV), and Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV).
While the threat of mosquito-borne diseases is lower this year, the risk remains, so it is important for people to take personal precautions to protect themselves and their family.
Remember to:
˃ wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing
˃ us an insect repellent containing either DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD)
˃ empty stagnant water from around the home and in children’s toys and play equipment.
It is important that all Riverlanders and visitors to our region take steps to reduce the risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease. Find out the steps that you can take to protect yourselves and your family.